Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Two arrests after valuable watch dealer assaulted during robbery

Two people have been arrested following a robbery in which valuable watches were stolen from a jewellers in Richmond.

Watch dealer Oliver White, 27, who was the victim of the attack, was found dead the day after the attack.

The Met police revealed on Thursday evening two people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob, in connection with the robbery.

“A woman, aged in her 30s, has been released under investigation,” said a spokesperson. “A man, also aged in his 30s was arrested on Wednesday, May 29 and bailed pending further enquiries.”

Police are still appealing for help identifying two men pictured in CCTV stills.

Two men entered jewellery firm 247 Kettles in Kew Road at roughly 2.50pm on Saturday, and assaulted Mr White before stealing a number of high-value watches, said the Met.

Mr White was “not seriously injured” in the attack, but was found dead in Shepperton, Surrey, the following day.

In a statement, his parents spoke of their pain over the loss of a “beautiful, funny, loyal boy”.

Oliver White with his partner Alana Dredge (Supplied)

They said he returned home from work on Saturday “traumatised and unable to speak”.

“He had been the victim of a terrifying attack and high-value robbery at his place of work, which was later shared widely on social media,” they continued.

“As a family we are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, funny, loyal boy, who lit up every room he walked into.”

Mr White’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and is being investigated by Surrey Police, said the Met.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Mather, from the Met’s Flying Squad , said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Mr White’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. We would ask that they are given the privacy they need to grieve.

“We are working tirelessly to get them the answers they need and are making good progress with our investigation. We urge anyone who has information that could assist us to get in touch as soon as possible.”

He renewed appeals to anyone who recognises the men pictured in CCTV images released by the police to get in touch.

“The images we have provided are good quality and someone must recognise the men we need to speak to. If you don’t want to contact police, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously,” he said.

Anyone who recognises these two men or has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD4555/25May. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.