Mum of celebrity bouncer hacked to death in moped theft appeals for help catching son’s killers
Police have said the moped is crucial in the hunt for Ricky Hayden's killers and they need the public's help to find it
THE mother of a celebrity bodyguard fatally stabbed as he tried to stop thieves attempting to take his brother's motorbike has spoken out as part of the police murder investigation.
Ricky Hayden's mum, Suzan Hedges, has urged people to come forward if they know anything which could catch her son's killers.
She said: "I would like to thank the community for all the help and support they have provided so far.
"If anyone knows anything then please contact the police."
Ricky's sister, April, 23, posted a heartbreaking photograph last week as he lay in a hospital bed, in the hope it would inspire people to provide information after the attack which led to his death.
Bodyguard Ricky, 27, and his dad Paul, 46, confronted four thieves trying to steal his brother Perry’s moped outside their home last Tuesday.
The pair dashed outside at 1.25am but were attacked by the men dressed in hoodies and balaclavas.
Neighbours were woken by chilling screams and piled out into the street in Chadwell Heath, East London.
During the struggle Ricky’s leg was slashed with a machete and he passed out due to loss of blood. He later died in hospital from his injuries.
Paul, a former ITV security guard, tried to shield his son from further attack but he too was targeted.
The gang lashed out at Paul who reportedly lost a fingertip and suffered wounds to his arm and foot - he has now been discharged from hospital.
Ricky worked as a bouncer and also as a maintenance man for Havering Council.
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He performed security at football star Peter Crouch’s 2011 wedding to model Abbey Clancy.
It is thought that Ricky and Perry had together built the moped that the thieves targeted.
A JustGiving page set up to raise money for Ricky's funeral has received more than £6,000.
A moped was used by the suspects, who are thought to have arrived and left from Gibbfield Close, Chadwell Heath, in north east London, is believed to be crucial by police.
It is described as silver or grey, with a large dark coloured box on the rear.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Packer, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "I am asking the public for their help to find this moped as it is crucial to the investigation.
"It is possible that it has been abandoned or hidden in a garage by the suspects.
"I would ask anyone who has an outbuilding or a lock-up that they don't frequently use to check whether the moped has been put there.
"There are a number of open-spaces and footpaths within the Marks Gate area and I would urge people with local knowledge of the vicinity to keep an eye out for a moped matching the description."
Any witnesses or anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3865.
To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
Two teenagers, aged 19 and 16 were arrested on Wednesday, September 16, on suspicion of murder.
Both were bailed for further enquiries, with the 19-year-old due to return to the police station later this month.
The 16-year-old's return date was fixed for mid-October, but has since been released with no further action.
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