Murder investigation launched after Ibrahim Pertek dies following suspected mugging by Wood Green Library

A man has died from serious head injuries after a suspected mugging in Wood Green, North London, prompting the Met Police to launch a hunt for the killer.

Ibrahim Pertek, 52, was found in an alleyway that runs alongside Wood Green Library in the early hours of Sunday morning, 16 July. It is believed he was assaulted, possibly during a robbery, at just after 1am.

Mr Pertek was admitted to hospital, where he remained in intensive care. Unfortunately, he passed away from his injuries two weeks later on Tuesday, 1 August.

A hairdresser by profession and originally from Kayseri in Turkiye, Mr Pertek lived locally. Ahmet Pertek hold Turkish newspaper Hürriyet that his brother Ibrahim was on his way home when he was assaulted and robbed, with his wallet, watch and other valuables taken.

Extensive CCTV inquiries have helped police officers piece together some of Mr Pertek’s movements prior to his assault, helping them to deduce the likely time of the attack.

It is believed Mr Pertek was left seriously injured in the alley next to Wood Green Library that leads from Wood Green High Road to Caxton Road until a passer-by discovered him and called the emergency services around 02:50hrs.

Police officers and the London Ambulance Service quickly attended the scene and found Mr Pertek with head injuries. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and sadly did not recover. Homicide detectives have after taken over the investigation following Mr Pertek’s death.

Detective Inspector Andy Griffin said: “We are asking for anyone who was around the area of Wood Green High Road at this time to contact police, particularly any motorist who was passing while using a dash cam.

“We believe Mr Pertek was seen by people prior to him being injured, and we want those people to come forward and speak to us. We are releasing a photo of Mr Pertek and I would ask people to look at it carefully and contact police if you remember seeing him.

“If you have any information that could assist, please come forward, it could help police and Mr Pertek’s family understand what happened that night.”

The police conducted a witness appeal on Wood Green High Road on Saturday night, 5 August, in the hope of jogging the memories of local people.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 1061/16JUL. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.