Chessington hit-and-run: First picture of man killed 'after row outside pub' in south-west London

Liam Dent, 25, was killed in the hit-and-run on Friday
Metropolitan Police
Megan White2 August 2019
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This is the first picture of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run after what police belive may have been a fight outside a pub.

Liam Dent, 25, was "dragged under a car" in the "horrific and callous" hit-and-run in Chessington last Friday, with the driver fleeing the scene.

Officers are investigating the possibility that the incident came after two groups had been arguing outside the The Lucky Rover pub just half-a-mile away hours earlier.

A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, but has since been bailed to a date in September.

Mr Dent was pronounced dead at the scene.
PA

The car believed to have been involved in the incident, a Ford S Max, was found burnt out on Cyclamen Way in Epsom, approximately one mile from the crime scene.

Since then a further two vehicles have been recovered.

Detective Inspector Vicky Tunstall from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Liam’s family and friends, following his death.

“This can only be described as an unimaginably distressing time for them, and we are doing everything in our power to identify those responsible.

“We continue to appeal to witnesses following the significant recovery this week of three vehicles connected with this incident.

The driver did not stop and the man was "dragged under the car for some distance", officers said.
PA

“We continue to believe this was a pre-meditated attack.

“As part of our enquiries we are exploring the possibility that a dispute between two groups, one group involving Liam, is understood to have occurred earlier in the evening outside The Lucky Rover pub, on Hook Road, Chessington may be connected to the fatal collision.

“The suspects involved in the incident in the pub were believed to be driving three cars; a grey Ford S Max, index BJ65 OOA, a black BMW, index HJ64 VKV and a silver Volvo V40, index HJ67 SVX.

“All three vehicles were stolen cars on false plates and have now been recovered.

“The Ford S Max was found burnt out in Cyclamen Way, Epsom, the BMW was recovered abandoned in Farriers Road, Epsom and the Volvo also found burnt out in Alexandra Road, Epsom.

“I am appealing directly to anyone who has information or knowledge about the incident in the pub, or anyone connected with Liam’s murder to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously without delay.

“Moor Lane is a busy road – were you travelling along it around 00:10hrs on 26 July? Do you have any dash cam footage or do you live in the vicinity and have private footage of the incident? Were you in the vicinity of Cyclamen Way in the early hours of 26 July and, if so, did you see anyone acting suspiciously at the location?

“I can provide absolute reassurance that any such information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

Any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist police, should call the incident room number on 020 8721 4622 or 101 quoting CAD 96/26July. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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