A father has lost his fight for life three days after suffering a serious head injury during an argument over his dog in an east London park, half a mile from his home, last Thursday morning.

Police were called at approximately 11:35hrs on Thursday, May 30th, to reports of a man assaulted in Plaistow Park, E13.

Officers and London Ambulance Service showed up and the man, aged 61, was taken to an east London hospital in a critical condition with a serious head injury.

Two men who were allegedly involved in the attack were arrested pending investigation.

A man aged 29 was arrested near to the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and Mohammed Metowlli, 23, of Bemersyde Point, Dongola Road E13, was arrested at an address in Plaistow later on that same day

Mohammed Metowlli of Plaistow, was charged with grievous bodily harm prior to Mr Kennedy death. He appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, June 28th. A second assailant, 29, who was also arrested, was released pending further investigation.

Detectives launched a murder investigation after Steven Kennedy died on Sunday, June 29th, following the attack in Plaistow Park.

The 61-year-old was a member of the River Church in Canning Town and a director of the River Christian Centre, and is understood to have travelled widely in Africa and eastern Europe to preach as a missionary.

Asim Qadri, who owns the Shop Wise convenience store near the park’s entrance, said: “I heard there was an argument and someone pushed or punched him. I saw him being taken out and put in the ambulance.”

“He was alive then. He sat up as they were taking him to the ambulance. It’s shocking that he’s died,” Qadri said.

An employee at a nearby hairdressers, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard the guy had a dog and there was an argument. The police came in here and said a man had been punched, but that’s it. It’s scary, I take my kids to that park.” Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack.

Neighbor Sonny Somwaru described Mr Kennedy as a “devoted” Christian. He said: “I was too shocked to get the news. He was the only one that I could talk things over with.”

“He spent quite a while going back and forth, preaching over in Africa,” Somwaru said.

Dave Gill, pastor of River Church, said: “The family and all of us are devastated at this time.”

Comment Below.