Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a Thornton Heath grandfather on the doorstep of his home just days before Christmas have charged a man.

John Kennett, 60, was found suffering from knife wounds at 9.30pm on December 23 at his Woodcroft Road home and died 20 minutes later despite the best efforts of police and paramedics who raced to the scene to try and save him.

Kenny Pitcher, 51, of Woodcroft Road, Thornton Heath, was arrested at the scene of the incident and was later released on bail pending further enquiries. 

On April 8, he was charged with the murder of 60-year-old John Kennett and appeared in custody on April 9 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

• A 33-year-old man arrested on January 16 is currently released under investigation.

• A 41-year-old man has been released with no further action.