Harlow: Third charge in fatal collision investigation

A second man has been charged in connection with our ongoing investigation into a fatal collision in Harlow. 

Our Serious Crime Directorate has been continuing to build on its investigation following the collision, between a vehicle and a pedestrian, near Momples Road, Harlow, at around 5.20pm on Saturday 29 March. 

Arlind Xhokola, 26, from London, sadly died at the scene. 

We’re further investigating the reported robbery of a Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, Harlow, which took place earlier that day at around 4pm.

Jeremy Heath, 50, of Ladyshot, Harlow, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 3 April charged with murder, robbery and possession of a knife in public. 

He did not enter pleas and remains in custody until a further hearing on Monday 2 June. 

After further work, charges of robbery, perverting the course of justice and possession of a knife in public have been authorised against Joe Jones, 37, of Great Plumtree, Harlow. 

He’s due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 4 April. 

A 50-year-old man, from Harlow, arrested on suspicion of murder and robbery, has been released on bail while inquiries continue. 

A 39-year-old man, from Harlow, is in police custody and awaits questioning on suspicion of murder and robbery.

A total of five men have now faced arrest in connection with our investigation into the death of Arlind Xhokola.

The investigative team is continuing to explore the possibility that the fatal collision is connected to the robbery of a Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, Harlow, at around 4pm on Saturday 29 March.

As a result of this ongoing work, a total of five arrests have now been made, with charges secured against one man.

Detectives are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with their inquiries.

Arrests and charges

Jeremy Heath, 50, of Ladyshot, Harlow, was arrested on Monday 31 March.

He’s been charged with murder, robbery and possession of a knife in a public place and has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 3 April.

On Tuesday 1 April, three men, all from Harlow, were arrested.

Two, aged 39 and 50, will be questioned on suspicion of robbery and murder and remain in police custody.

The third, aged 42, was questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

On Wednesday 2 April, a 37-year-old man, from Harlow, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder. He remains in custody.

Neighbourhood policing officers are patrolling and retaining a presence throughout Harlow, both to assist with the investigation and provide public reassurance.

Detective Inspector James Holmes, senior investigating officer, said:

“This was a complex incident and it’s taken time, patience and hard work from my team, together with officers and staff across the force, to reach this stage.
“A number of key arrests have been made and I can confirm we’re not currently seeking anyone else in connection with our investigation.
“We’re determined to establish what took place that day and why, both to get answers for the family of a man who has lost his life, and for the people of Harlow who are understandably concerned.
“I would like to thank the many people who have reached out to us to help us with our inquiries and I would continue to call on anyone with concerns, or information, to get in touch.
“There are a number of ways to do so, but the simplest is through a dedicated online portal set up specifically for this investigation.”

A man has been charged with murder and two further arrests have been made as detectives continue to build up a picture of the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Harlow.

A dedicated team led by our Serious Crime Directorate is continuing to investigate a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian at a cycle path off Momples Road, which took place at around 5.30pm on Saturday 29 March.

A man, aged in his 20s, from London, died at the scene and we’re continuing to support his family.

As a result of ongoing work, a murder charge has been secured against Jeremy Heath, 50, of Ladyshot, Harlow.

He’s further charged with robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 2 April.

Thanks to continuing inquiries conducted by officers across Harlow, two men, aged 42 and 39, both from Harlow, have been arrested on Tuesday 1 April.

The 39-year-old will be questioned on suspicion of robbery and murder, while the 42-year-old faces questioning on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information which could assist us to get in touch.

A dedicated public portal remains live for quick reporting.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after officers investigating the death of a man in Harlow executed a targeted warrant.

We’re continuing inquiries into a fatal collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian at a cycle path off Momples Road, which took place at around 5.30pm on Saturday 29 March.

As part of a fast-paced investigation led by our Serious Crime Directorate, officers searched an address in Harlow on the evening of Sunday 30 March.

A 50-year-old man, from Harlow, was arrested and remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of murder.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information which could assist us to get in touch.

A dedicated public portal remains live for quick reporting.

Detective Inspector James Holmes, senior investigating officer, said:

“Our inquiries are ongoing and you’ll continue to see officers throughout the area today.
“The public might have noticed some substantial police activity in Harlow overnight as we worked to make this arrest.
“Our officers are there both to assist with the investigation and to offer reassurance – please do approach them with any concerns and reach out to us directly with any information you think could assist us.
“This was a shocking incident and I know people are worried, people are concerned.
“I would like to offer that assurance that we’re taking this very seriously, we’ve got a dedicated team working on this investigation, supported by local officers on the ground in Harlow.”

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a fatal collision in Harlow.

We were called to reports of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian near a cycle path off Momples Road, at around 5.30pm on Saturday 29 March.

It was reported the vehicle, a silver Mitsubishi, had left the road before colliding with a man and driving away.

Despite the best efforts of responding paramedics and officers, the man, aged in his 20s, from London, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have been informed and are being supported.

A short time later, this vehicle was found abandoned and on fire at a nearby underpass at the Clock Tower Roundabout.

With the help of firefighters, the fire was extinguished and this vehicle has been forensically seized.

We are investigating the possibility that this incident is linked to the theft of a black Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, Harlow, reported to us earlier that day at around 4pm.

This Fiesta was later found abandoned in the Churchfied area of Harlow and has also been seized.

A cordon remains in place around the location of the collision.

No arrests have been made at this stage, but inquiries are continuing at pace as officers look to establish the circumstances of this incident.

This investigation is being led by our Serious Crime Directorate.

As part of our work throughout Harlow today, local officers will also be conducting patrols and engaging with the community.

If you have concerns, or if you have any information which could assist us, please speak to them or get in touch with us directly.

Detective Inspector Alison Hooper, who is leading our investigation, said:

“At the centre of this incident is a person who has lost their life in terrible circumstances.
“We are supporting a grieving family.
“I have a dedicated team working hard to establish the sequence of events which led to this fatal collision and this investigation is making progress.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicles in question in the Harlow area in the hours leading up to this collision.
“I appreciate this is a very serious incident which will cause concern in Harlow, but I’d ask that the public refrain from any unhelpful speculation which could cause further upset.
“We will continue to update on the progress of our investigation.
“For now I would urge anyone with information which could assist us to please come forward.”