New leads in hunt for architect's murderer

Detectives investigating the murder of architect Bernard Hegarty are following " significant" new leads after an emotional appeal from the victim's family.

Police say they received numerous calls from the public following the plea for help from Mr Hegarty's two brothers.

The architect was attacked as he returned to work in Bethnal Green from his lunchbreak. He fought for life for five days after the attack but died on Monday with his family at his bedside. A witness has told police she saw a "tussle" between the victim and a darkskinned man.

Police believe the attack was an attempted robbery but Mr Hegarty struggled and the robber then stabbed him once through the heart before running off.

The victim managed to stagger 50 yards before he collapsed and was given first aid by a passing lorry driver.

Despite emergency heart surgery at the scene, Mr Hegarty died five days later. A statement from his family described him as "caring". It read: "The heart of our family has been torn out and we are struggling to understand why someone was attacked while carrying out his everyday life."

Officers are examining CCTV footage from cameras in the area.

They say the only description of the assailant is that he is a dark skinned man.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3775 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.