.svg)
The legal case against Amar Zafar moves to the Old Bailey this week as detectives investigate the specific triggers behind the fatal stabbing of Mitcham resident Luke Brereton.
Escalation to the Central Criminal Court
Following a morning appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, the case against 35-year-old Amar Zafar has been fast-tracked to the Old Bailey. Zafar, who resides on Cambridge Grove Road in Kingston, remains in high-security remand after being charged with the murder of Luke Brereton and the possession of a bladed article. The court confirmed that the next hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, will begin the formal process of assessing the prosecution’s evidence, which heavily relies on forensic data and high-definition surveillance footage retrieved from the busy commercial stretch of The Broadway.
Read Also: Amar Zafar Sent to Old Bailey as Mitcham Community Rallies for Victim Luke Brereton
Investigating the Motive and Suspect Background
Current investigative efforts by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are centered on the minutes preceding the 12:37 AM emergency call on Sunday. Detectives are analyzing whether the confrontation outside Tequila Mockingbird was a result of a spontaneous verbal row or a pre-existing grievance between the two men. While Zafar’s British South Asian heritage is noted as part of his biographical profile, police are currently scrutinizing his history in the Kingston area to determine if there were prior indicators of conflict. Information regarding previous criminal records remains restricted under sub judice rules to ensure a fair trial, but the prosecution has emphasized the severity of the weapon involved in the incident.
A local resident from Mitcham, speaking exclusively to Daily Dazzling Dawn, raised serious concerns regarding the suspect’s history. "If this is the same Amar Zafar who previously lived in Mitcham, he is a known violent offender with a criminal record dating back to his youth," the witness claimed. Recalling a harrowing past encounter, the resident added, "I was personally targeted in an incident where I was held at gunpoint by him and an accomplice. Although he was later released due to a lack of evidence, his pattern of behavior is well-documented within the community. For the safety of the public, he must face the full force of the law."
Mitcham Community Unites for Luke Brereton
In Mitcham, the shock of losing 41-year-old Luke Brereton has transformed into a massive community support movement. A localized fundraiser has seen a significant influx of donations over the last several hours, aimed at easing the financial burden on the Brereton family for upcoming memorial services. Neighbors describe the Mitcham native as a well-integrated member of the CR4 community whose presence will be deeply missed. Floral tributes have continued to grow at the scene of the tragedy, reflecting the widespread impact of the loss on both the Mitcham and Wimbledon areas.
Next Steps in the Judicial Timeline
The upcoming Old Bailey appearance on Wednesday represents the first major milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Brereton family. During this hearing, the judge is expected to set a firm timetable for the trial and address any preliminary legal arguments regarding the evidence. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police continue to keep a mobile unit active on The Broadway, encouraging any late-night commuters or socializers who may have witnessed the struggle to provide formal statements. The case is being handled with high priority as authorities seek to reassure the public following this rare and violent town-center incident.
