Police offer £20K reward to find homophobic Tower Hamlets Cemetery killer

Tower Hamlets Cemetery where Ranjith Kankanamalage’s body was found. Credit: Shutterstock

Police are offering £20,000 for information on a suspected homophobic murder in Tower Hamlets Cemetery.

Ranjith Kankanamalage, known as Roy, was violently attacked and killed in the park on Monday 16 August.

The 50-year-old was found with fatal head injuries and a post-mortem confirmed they were caused by blunt force trauma, police said.

Detectives have categorised it as a homophobic hate crime.

Ranjith Kankanamalage, known as Roy, was violently attacked and killed in the park on Monday 16 August. Credit: Met Police

Scotland Yard has also released CCTV images of two men officers would like to speak to, who were in the vicinity of the cemetery, Mile End, at the time of the attack.

The first possible witness is described as medium build, with short, light coloured hair, wearing a dark t-shirt, light blue shorts, dark brown trainers and carrying a black backpack.

The second person is also of medium build but with short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

Det Supt Pete Wallis said: “We understand that given the circumstances of the murder, people may be reluctant to come forward.

"We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they believe it to be, to report it to police or any of our LGBT+ partners.

The first possible witness is described as medium build, with short, light coloured hair, wearing a dark t-shirt, light blue shorts, dark brown trainers and carrying a black backpack. Credit: Met Police

“We are particularly appealing to the two people pictured to come forward.

"I can assure the public that any information shared will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and consideration.

"My colleagues and I remain dedicated to finding Ranjith’s killer."

Derek Lee, from the Met’s LGBT+ advisory group, said: "We appeal for anyone who knows anything about this horrendous crime to come forward using the many channels available.

“We are aware that, while it remains unsolved, this is causing considerable concern amongst LGBTQ+ people in Tower Hamlets and across London.

“We are advising the police on sensitive ways of keeping our parks safe and wider reassurance for all communities.

“At the same time we ask everyone to please use common sense when going home or out late at night.

“We must all be vigilant."

The second person is also of medium build but with short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers. Credit: Met Police

A vigil, organised by Let the Voice be Heard, will be held for Ranjith at the cemetery at 5pm this evening (October 12).

A spokesperson said: “We are coming together to show respect to Ranjith.

“At the same time convey a message to the community that together we are stronger.

“Our voices need to be heard loudly against any kind of homophobic attack.

“We believe we can only stop these kinds of attacks if we are together.”

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We have been deeply saddened and shocked following the senseless murder of Ranjith Kankanamalage.

“Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward so that we can ensure the safety of our residents and the LGBT+ community here and across the rest of London.

“Tower Hamlets is proudly a No Place for Hate borough and hate crimes of any sort will not be tolerated.

“We have a rich history of diversity which we celebrate alongside our work to ensure we are a safe and cohesive borough, free from all forms of hate.”