Father of three found dead in Islington flat may have been killed for poker winnings

Westcliffe House, Baxter Road, N1 (Image: Archant)

Mehmet Hassan, 56, was discovered by police at about 8.40pm at his flat in Westcliffe House, Baxter Road, after a family member raised concerns.

According to a friend Mr Hassan had visited a casino on Sunday night and returned to his flat to celebrate with guests before he was attacked.

It is thought the attacker may have been after his winnings, however, police have said it is not clear yet whether anything is missing from the address.

Poker tournament organisers Genting Poker London paid tribute to Mr Hassan on Tuesday after hearing of his death.

“Tragic news the passing of Mehmet Hassan. Mem will be badly missed by all those who played with him, and all of us at the Palm Beach.

“Hard to imagine the poker room without his wise cracks and his unique philosophy.”

Police say Mr Hassan was last seen on Sunday night and that there was no sign of forced entry at his flat.

No arrests have been made.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “When these residents see this happening it has a chilling effect on a street or a block of flats.

“In the last year we had five murders in Islington so when something like this happens it’s very out of the ordinary.”

Det Ch Insp Andy Partridge, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, appealed to anyone with information about the incident to make contact.

“In particular I would like help from the public who can assist with the movements of the victim between 7.30pm on Sunday and shortly ­before police found the victim on Monday,” he said.

Anyone with information should contact 020 8358 0300.