Girl, 14, is quizzed after man dies in football row

David Martin, 40, collapsed in a front garden near his home with head injuries and stab wounds. A 14-year-old girl and a woman in her sixties were among those arrested.

Today neighbours said Mr Martin was killed in an argument sparked when his children kicked their football into someone else's garden.

Reports suggested he was attacked with a knife, and possibly a samurai sword and a golf club. His wife Angie was taken to hospital with minor stab wounds and shock.

Neighbour Paula Horton, 25, said: "His kids were playing football and the ball went into someone else's garden. He went to ask for the children's ball back and he got stabbed. His kids are often playing football out there."

The attack happened in Rutter Gardens, Mitcham, at about 7pm yesterday. Ms Horton said: "It shocks me that someone can die over something so trivial. I wouldn't want to knock on anyone's door around here now. I have heard that he was just a down-to-earth bloke."

A woman who asked not to be named said: "I heard lots of screaming. I looked out of my window and saw two men fighting each other in the road. There was a few people out there and they all had sticks or poles.

I recognised one of the men. I saw him get hit over the head by the other man. It looked really nasty.

"I went to phone the police but before I got to the phone I heard sirens outside. I didn't look out again. I was too frightened. Nothing like this has ever happened before - it's only a small road. We are all in shock."

Another neighbour said she saw Mr Martin lying in a front garden: "He was a big man and he was just there on his back. You could tell he was seriously hurt. I saw paramedics trying to save him. I could not believe it when the police told me he was dead."

Mr Martin, a windowcleaner with two daughters and a son, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police could not confirm what happened but said the theory over the children's football game was one line of inquiry. No weapon has been found.

Five people, thought to be known to each other and possibly related, were arrested and are being questioned at south London police stations. Three are women - one in her sixties - one is girl of 14 and the other is a man in his thirties.

The road was cordoned off today as officers searched the area. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Garwood said: "We are retaining an open mind with regard to the motive."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room at Lewisham on 020 8721 4961, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.