A murder investigation is underway following the discovery of a man’s body in a shop in Bayswater, London, on Wednesday night. Police-constable Watts discovered the crime while on patrol at approximately 10:30 p.m., when he noticed that the usual padlock was missing from the door of a shop located on Leinster Terrace. Although the absence of the padlock did not immediately raise alarm, further inspection through a perforated iron grating revealed a man’s legs inside the premises.
With the assistance of another officer and using a tire lever borrowed from a passing driver, the police forced open the spring-locked door. Inside, they found the body of Edwin Austin Creed, who had suffered severe head injuries. Dr. Powell, the divisional surgeon called to the scene, confirmed that Mr. Creed had died from multiple blows to the head caused by a blunt instrument, estimating the time of death to be between one and two hours before his discovery.
The shop, operating under the name Lowry and Company, sells cheese, poultry, and provisions. It is a longstanding business housed in a ground floor and basement unit that retains much of its traditional character. The victim, aged 45, was the shop’s long-term manager. He had stayed late on Wednesday to complete the accounts in the absence of the regular cashier, who was on holiday. Mr. Creed lived nearby in Denbigh Terrace, and his late return did not initially prompt concern from his wife, given the circumstances.
Known locally and respected in the community, Mr. Creed also served as a sergeant in the Special Constabulary. Initial police assessments suggest robbery as the primary motive. While the shop’s safe was found open, it showed no signs of being forced. Authorities suspect that it was either already open when the assailants arrived or that the attacker used keys taken from Mr. Creed after the assault. An estimated sum of £60 to £70 is reported missing. Additionally, a gas jet in the basement had been turned on, prompting concerns about further risks.
Chief-Constable Wenaley, along with superintendents from Scotland Yard and Divisional Detective-Inspector Hunt, continued their investigation throughout the following day. Dr. H. Weir, the Home Office pathologist, conducted a post-mortem examination of the body. Police have collected several clues, including a pair of gloves believed not to belong to Mr. Creed, and statements from witnesses describing two men seen loitering nearby—one of whom was notably tall and had a pronounced limp.
A woman has also reported seeing two men near the premises on Wednesday evening. Authorities have noted that the skylight of the shop’s roof was broken, but believe the suspects entered during daylight hours and were likely admitted by Mr. Creed. Bloodstains at the shop’s entrance suggest the attack occurred in that area.
The shop assistants on duty left around 7 p.m., last seeing Mr. Creed preparing to wash and securing the door from the inside. A neighbor working as an assistant nearby reported hearing no unusual noises later that evening. Police remain engaged in extensive inquiries, seeking information that could lead to identifying and apprehending those responsible for the murder.