Teenager dies after park attack

The victim, believed to be 19, was found seriously injured in Dean Gardens, West Ealing, west London, early on Saturday morning and died later in hospital.

Scotland Yard said he had been attacked with a "blunt instrument" and a murder inquiry has been launched.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called at approximately 1.18 today to reports of a male injured in Dean Gardens, West Ealing, W13.

"Police and London Ambulance attended and found a male, believed to be 19 years old, suffering from a head injury. He was taken to a west London hospital where his life was pronounced extinct at 1.57am."

He said the man was attacked with a "blunt instrument".

Teams of forensic officers in blue boiler suits were searching the park, which is off Uxbridge Road, a busy shopping street. They were seen picking their way carefully through the grass and examining a spot on the path near the children's playground.

Local residents said the park had become a hive for local gangs in recent years.

Paul Jones, 39, a painter and decorator, said five years ago the park was safe for children, but had become a no-go area.

He said: "It's a rough park at night-time, with lots of people drinking in there. There's always people arguing. You can't go in there with your kids any more."