Man, 35, is charged with murder of father, 51, who was stabbed to death on a train

A 35-year-old man has been charged with murdering a father, 51, in front of his teenage son while on a train from Guilford to London Waterloo on Friday. 

Darren Pencille, 35, from Farnham, has been charged with the murder of Lee Pomeroy, who was knifed multiple while on his way to the capital for a day out with his boy.  

The man accused of stabbing Mr Pomeroy to death on a train is believed to have evaded police when his lover allegedly picked him up in her car and drove him 15 miles away from the scene. 

His 14-year-old son sat by his side as he lay on the platform dying and the killer fled the train.

Police believe that the suspect may have been driven from the Clandon area to Farnham, where officers arrested him and a 27-year-old woman. 

The defendant’s girlfriend will also appear in court tomorrow charged with assisting an offender. 

Officers raided a ground-floor flat that belongs to a woman named Chelsea Mitchell, The Sunday Times reports. 

Mr Pomeroy was murdered, after a heated altercation with a stranger, one day before his 52nd birthday

Neighbours said that she has lived at the property for about six months with a male partner, who was described as ‘aggressive’ and confrontational. 

British Transport Police said today that detectives investigating the stabbing had been given another 12 hours to question his suspected killer.     

Friday’s tragic sequence of events unfolded as Mr Pomeroy was with his son on the lunchtime service from Guildford to Waterloo.

Witnesses told The Sun that the two men bumped into one  another before a row exploded, ending in the stabbing. 

He was somehow drawn into the argument with another passenger – a man unknown to him – who had boarded the same train.

Lee Pomeroy's wife Svetlana said she moved to Britain because it was more 'civilised' than her homeland

Lee Pomeroy’s wife Svetlana said she moved to Britain because it was more ‘civilised’ than her homeland

Their row lasted some three minutes, with the two men moving at one stage from carriage to carriage. It ended abruptly in a burst of what police called ‘extraordinary violence’.

Mr Pomeroy, from Guildford, Surrey, was stabbed multiple times, at least once across his neck. Despite frantic efforts to keep him alive, he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The father, who would have turned 52 on Sunday, was described by his family as a ‘an honourable man and would always help somebody who was in trouble’.

In a statement released by British Transport Police (BTP), Mr Pomeroy’s family said: ‘Lee took his son on a trip to London hoping to spend some quality time with him which was cut short by an horrific and pointless attack.

It has emerged that in the moments leading up to the violent killing, both men appeared to be involved in an altercation lasting three minutes

It has emerged that in the moments leading up to the violent killing, both men appeared to be involved in an altercation lasting three minutes

‘Lee would have had his birthday today but did not get to see his presents. He was an honest, bright person, who loved music very much.

BTP use drones, phone data and ticket checks used to hunt for killer

Police investigating Mr Pomeroy’s death have used a host of 21st century gadgets to help them catch the killer.

British Transport Police used ticketing data from London Road station in Guildford, CCTV footage from South Western Railway and mobile phone data from nearby masts to help track down suspects.

They also deployed drones and a helicopter over the surrounding countryside, according to The Sunday Times.

‘He knew history and art and he was a bachelor of science in maths. He was a devoted family man and did everything for his family. He was a loving husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all his family.’

DCI Sam Blackburn from British Transport Police said they don’t know how the argument started, or what was said, but ‘nothing justified the extraordinary violence that followed.’

Mr Pomeroy’s shattered Russian wife, Svetlana, 50, a former journalist, and their son were being supported by family liaison officers. 

Ironically, Svetlana, who married her husband in 2001, moved to Britain from the remote Russian region of Chukotka because she considered it more ‘civilised’ than her homeland. 

Writing to friends on social media in 2006, she said: ‘I love how people here [in Britain] wish to be hospitable, how they smile, how they take care of nature. People still tend to build families, plus there are laws to support women.’ She told how she spoke Russian to her son, describing him as a ‘sweet boy’.  

The suspect, described by police as a slim, black man in his 20s or 30s, is approximately 6ft tall and has a beard. He was arrested at 6am at a flat in Farnham while a woman, 27, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Both are still being questioned by police while a post mortem is set for early next week.  

Police are seen outside a property in Farnham on Friday morning after a man was detained on suspicion of murder. A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender

Police are seen outside a property in Farnham on Friday morning after a man was detained on suspicion of murder. A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender

Speaking to MailOnline today, neighbors described the shock moment the arrest took place. One, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'Two vans arrived to take them away. By this point there were a whole load of police - around 11 or 12 - and two with rifles. Others had sidearms'

Speaking to MailOnline today, neighbors described the shock moment the arrest took place. One, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘Two vans arrived to take them away. By this point there were a whole load of police – around 11 or 12 – and two with rifles. Others had sidearms’

Police officers remain at Hosley train station near Guildford, Surrey as they carry out investigations following

Police officers remain at Hosley train station near Guildford, Surrey as they carry out investigations following

Police evidence markers are seen on a gate near West Clandon station in Surrey - where a murder suspect left the Waterloo bound train after a passenger was stabbed to death

Police evidence markers are seen on a gate near West Clandon station in Surrey – where a murder suspect left the Waterloo bound train after a passenger was stabbed to death

A close up of the fence near West Clandon station in Surrey shows blooded fingerprints

A close up of the fence near West Clandon station in Surrey shows blooded fingerprints

Police forensics officers search a property after a couple were arrested in connection with the murder of a man on a train yesterday. A man and a woman have been detained by police in Farnham in connection with the murder

A man and a woman have been detained by police in Farnham in connection with the murder. Police are carrying out investigations today (pictured)

Police forensics officers search a property after a couple were arrested in connection with the murder of a man on a train . A man and a woman have been detained by police in Farnham in connection with the murder

Neighbours told MailOnline ‘around 12 officers’ went into the property and shouted ‘put your hands up and turn around’ before appearing with the man and woman. 

The man being held over the fatal attack is thought to have left a trail of the victim’s blood after getting off at the next stop in Clandon.

It was found smeared on a fence near the railway station.  

Mr Pomroy’s family said they were distraught that his life was cut short by such a ‘horrific and pointless’ attack. 

They described the doting father as ‘an honest, bright person, who loved music very much, knew history and art and was a bachelor of science in Maths’. 

‘He was devoted family man and did everything for his family. He was an honourable man and would always help somebody who was in trouble. He was a loving husband and father, he will be deeply missed by all his family,’ a family statement read.

Police were appealing for anyone with dashcam footage in the Clandon area after 1pm on Friday afternoon. 

Speaking yesterday afternoon, a woman in the garden of Mr Pomeroy’s home in Guildford said it was ‘too fresh’ for his wife to comment at the moment.

Lee Pomeroy, 51, was stabbed multiple times following an altercation on-board a Guildford to London Waterloo train at around 1pm on Friday. The married father of one, was on his way into London with his 14-year-old son for a day out

Lee Pomeroy, 51, was stabbed multiple times following an altercation on-board a Guildford to London Waterloo train at around 1pm on Friday. The married father of one, was on his way into London with his 14-year-old son for a day out

Talking over the back gate of the pretty semi-detached house worth around £485,000, she did not reveal her relation to the family but said: ‘It is too fresh. It was in front of their 14-year-old son.

‘She has asked me not to say anything. She does not want to say anything.’

A neighbour two doors down said he was ‘shocked’ to hear the victim lived on his street.

Police are seen at Horsley station in Surrey where a man was stabbed to death on a train

Police are seen at Horsley station in Surrey where a man was stabbed to death on a train

Tributes have been left outside Horsley station near Guildford, Surrey

Tributes have been left outside Horsley station near Guildford, Surrey

He said: ‘We don’t know them. They are quite private people. But I am shocked and disgusted that he has lost his life. It’s dreadful.’

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: ‘It is utterly terrifying really, especially because he was with his poor child, his poor child was there.

‘Not one single thought for the child. Losing a loved one, one that so dear and loved but for that to happen in front of a child. He will need a lot of support, and he has our support.’ 

Speaking to MailOnline today, neighbours described the shocking moment the man and woman were arrested yesterday morning.

Grant Christy said: ‘The raid began at 5.50am when two unmarked police cars and one armed police stood outside.

Despite desperate attempts from paramedics the man died at the scene, while the attacker is thought to have got off the train fled into the surrounding Clandon area - just one stop into the Surrey to London journey (pictured is Horsley Station, where the train pulled in) 

Despite desperate attempts from paramedics the man died at the scene, while the attacker is thought to have got off the train fled into the surrounding Clandon area – just one stop into the Surrey to London journey (pictured is Horsley Station, where the train pulled in) 

Police were in the area yesterday evening, attempting to identify and trace the man responsible for the fatal assault. Now a murder suspect has been arrested along with a 27-year-old woman

Police were in the area yesterday evening, attempting to identify and trace the man responsible for the fatal assault. Now a murder suspect has been arrested along with a 27-year-old woman

At 12.58pm the South Western Train leaves Guildford, with London the final destination. At 1.01pm the victim, a 51-year-old father, and attacker, board the train at London Road. Then at 1.07pm the attacker is thought to flee the train at Clandon. At 1.11pm the victim is found as the train pulls into Horsley. At 1.15pm police officers are called to Horsley station after reports a man has been stabbed. At around 6am this morning police arrested a murder suspect in Farnham - along with a 27-year-old woman. Effingham Junction was also blocked following the incident Police describes suspect in fatal stabbing on a train in Surrey Police describes suspect in fatal stabbing on a train in Surrey

At 12.58pm the South Western Train leaves Guildford, with London the final destination. At 1.01pm the victim, a 51-year-old father, and attacker, board the train at London Road. Then at 1.07pm the attacker is thought to flee the train at Clandon. At 1.11pm the victim is found as the train pulls into Horsley. At 1.15pm police officers are called to Horsley station after reports a man has been stabbed. At around 6am this morning police arrested a murder suspect in Farnham – along with a 27-year-old woman. Effingham Junction was also blocked following the incident Police describes suspect in fatal stabbing on a train in Surrey Police describes suspect in fatal stabbing on a train in Surrey

‘There were a few inside I assume and there was one around the back. I then heard the arrest take place as I had my ear pressed to the door. 

‘Later two vans arrived to take them away. By this point there were a whole load of police – around 11 or 12 – and two with rifles. Others had sidearms.’ 

He later said: ‘Initially I just heard the banging. Sounded like someone trying to kick the door in, that’s what it sounded like to start with. And then I jumped out of bed, put my ear to the door, listened to what was going on.

The attacker was thought to have got off the train fled into the surrounding Clandon area - just one stop into the Surrey to London journey

The attacker was thought to have got off the train fled into the surrounding Clandon area – just one stop into the Surrey to London journey

A police officer and station staff member stand at Horsley station while forensics conduct their investigation.  One woman passenger, who asked not to be named, said: 'There was a lot of blood everywhere in the carr  

A police officer and station staff member stand at Horsley station while forensics conduct their investigation

The forensics at the scene at Horsley station

The forensics at the scene at Horsley station

‘Then I heard the police shouting, ‘put your hands up, turn around’, all that sort of thing and then it went quiet.

‘They led her out first with the kid, barefoot, put her in a police wagon over there, then a few minutes later they pulled him out handcuffed.’

Two police officers stood guard throughout the day yesterday at the entrance to the property where the arrest took place.   

Timeline

January 4 

12.58pm- The South Western Train leaves Guildford, with London the final destination.

1.01pm- The victim, thought to be in his 50s, and attacker, board the train at London Road.

1.07pm- The attacker is thought to flee the train at Clandon.

1.11pm- The victim is found as the train pulls into Horsley.

1.15pm- Police officers are called to the to Horsley station after reports a man has been stabbed.

January 5

6am – Murder suspect is detained at an address in the Farnham area. A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. 

January 6

9pm – Suspect is charged with murdering Mr Pomeroy

Estate agent Wendie Thompson, who lives nearby, expressed her shock at the incident and said police had continued to guard the flat.

She said: ‘The officers were here when I woke at 8am. Police have been active all day – on guard outside the flats. I think there were detectives and armed response officers.’ 

A female passenger on the train on Friday said ‘there was a lot of blood splattered everywhere in the carriage’. 

‘The police who were here first started to give him CPR but it was apparently too late to save him and he died while the train was in the station,’ the witness added. 

Other passengers said how the ticket inspector and driver leaped into action to desperately try and save the man before emergency services arrived. 

Another witness praised the efforts of the railway staff in the frenzied aftermath of the attack. 

Natalie Jones tweeted: ‘I was on this train. How those guards and especially the train driver went into action was nothing short of incredible.’ 

Oliver Thompson, a 16-year-old student living in Clandon, said he was stopped by police in the area at roughly 2.30pm and asked if he had seen a ‘man running from the station’.

A little later he saw police helicopters circling the area before being joined by ‘a police van with high-powered lights’ as conditions darkened.

‘It comes as a big surprise as Clandon is a quiet area that you wouldn’t associate with crime like this,’ he said.

‘It is definitely unnerving to think there is a murderer maybe somewhere in the village.’

A Home Office pathologist was expected to carry out a post mortem examination on the man’s body to establish the exact cause of his death and the Surrey coroner was notified of the death. 

Natalie Jones tweeted: 'I was on this train. How those guards and especially the train driver went into action was nothing short of incredible'

Natalie Jones tweeted: ‘I was on this train. How those guards and especially the train driver went into action was nothing short of incredible’

South Western Railway said lines will be closed while police conduct their investigation. Rail replacement buses are being provided and train tickets are being accepted on Southern Railway services between Dorking and Clapham Junction and some Stagecoach bus services

South Western Railway said lines will be closed while police conduct their investigation. Rail replacement buses are being provided and train tickets are being accepted on Southern Railway services between Dorking and Clapham Junction and some Stagecoach bus services

National Rail announced delays and cancellations following the attack - with services on the line halted while police conduct their investigations 

National Rail announced delays and cancellations following the attack – with services on the line halted while police conduct their investigations 

View of the South Western Railway service from Guildford in Surrey to London. The attack took place on the 12.58 service today. Lines will remain closed while police conduct their investigations

View of the South Western Railway service from Guildford in Surrey to London. The attack took place on the 12.58 service today. Lines will remain closed while police conduct their investigations

BTP have said:  'Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 – quoting reference 210 of 04/01/19. Or you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111'

BTP have said:  ‘Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 – quoting reference 210 of 04/01/19. Or you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111’

Neighbour Grant Christy told reporters he witnessed the police breaking into the building, taking a couple into custody and leading a young child from the house.

He said: ‘At six they smashed the door down, woke me up immediately, obviously.

‘Initially I just heard the banging. Sounded like someone trying to kick the door in, that’s what it sounded like to start with. And then I jumped out of bed, put my ear to the door, listened to what was going on.

‘Then I heard the police shouting, ‘put your hands up, turn around’, all that sort of thing and then it went quiet.

‘They led her out first with the kid, barefoot, put her in a police wagon over there, then a few minutes later they pulled him out handcuffed.’ 

A bloody start to the year: London’s stabbing victims of 2018

Last year was the capital’s deadliest since 2008 as London saw 134 people murdered in 2018.

It’s a New Year and already a number of violent incidents have shocked the Capital.

The first stab victim of New Year was named as 33-year-old mother Charlotte Huggins.

She was stabbed to death at her home in Camberwell, south-east London, at 4.20am yesterday hours after wishing ‘all a happy new year’ on Facebook.

Police officers were called to the house at 4.20am – and she was pronounced dead half an hour later.

Meanwhile in Mayfair, police were called to a property at 5.36am to reports of a stabbing, and attended with London Ambulance Service paramedics

A doorman, Tudor Simionov, was found with stab injuries following the private party and pronounced dead at 6.05am.

Two other security staff and a woman who came to the door were also stabbed, and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Elsewhere in Wild West Britain one woman in her 20s was shot at a nightclub in Dalston, East London, while a drunken thug in the West Midlands attacked a partygoer with a 2ft sword.

In Essex, a youth was stabbed once in the stomach at Club 195 in Epping after being involved in ‘a verbal exchange’ with a group of men on the dancefloor.  

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