Police have launched a murder investigation after James Durkin's body was found in Court Road, Orpington

Dad murdered at Orpington Jubilee party

by Robin Cottle, Reporter Tuesday, June 12, 2012
7:33 PM

A murder enquiry is continuing after a man who attended a Jubilee celebration barbecue was later found dead in Orpington.

James Durkin , police have launched a murder investigation after his body was found in Court Road, Orpington

Father of three James Harris Durkinwas found collapsed in Court Road, Orpington, in the early hours of Tuesday June 5, near to where the party was held.

The 21-year-old from Eastbourne in Sussex had been in Orpington attending a funeral before going to the barbecue with friends and family.

Hours earlier, a Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in honour of the Queen’s 60-year-long reign was broadcast on television.

A post-mortem at Princess Royal Hospital in Farnborough Common, Orpington, showed Mr Durkin died from head injuries after being hit with a blunt object. Friends have paid tribute to the dead man on the social networking site Facebook expressing their shock at his death. Teresa Weir: “Today I woke up hoping the last two days was a bad dream. Sadly it was real. Love you.”

Megan Stacey wrote: “Our house won’t be the same without you James. Your dad’s missing you so much, the same as all of you. Sweet dreams.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “There were a number of people at the party which is in an area of adjoining residential premises.”

“There were also, despite the early hours of the assault, people in the area either going to or returning from work in a part of Orpington that incorporates a busy road at the junction with Court Road and Lower Road which is in close proximity to the shops at Carlton Parade and Priory Park.”

Any witnesses should call 0208 721 4961 with information or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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