Tributes for 'grandfather figure' after body found - as two arrested (2025)

Shaken neighbours have spoken of their heartbreak after a 'gentle, grandfather figure' was murdered and left undiscovered for months in his West London flat.

Concerns had been raised over the welfare of Michael O'Donnell, 65, who had not been seen since February 24.

But the Metropolitan Police found him deadin the Samara Drive flat in Southall on Wednesday morning after neighbours reported an unpleasant smell that had been getting worse for many weeks.

Locals to the leafy, suburban estate are reeling over the horror of the killing, with two arrests made already.

Kelly Barnes, 28, told Metro that her family had moved to the area because of its safe reputation and transport links.

'We haven't been here long but we have been very impressed. It seems so safe relative to some areas. To see police cars everywhere and to find out there's been a killing is utterly shocking,' the publisher said.

Another mum said they are now scared of the area because they similarly thought it was a safe place for their family and couldn't believe anyone would want to hurt an old man.

With flats selling for £340,000, the residents of the regenerated land are now double locking their doors and not letting their children walk to school alone.

The neighbour who reported the 'horrible smell' said Mr O'Donnell was a 'gentle, grandfather figure' who was loved by locals to the block of flats.

He said the Fire Brigade came to investigate the initial smell some weeks ago who believed it was coming from the bins.

But it became worse and passersbys would have to cover their faces when walking past Mr O'Donnell's flat.

The building's cleaner alerted the smell again to the police who made the discovery of his body two days ago.

Neighbours had noticed that Mr O'Donnell had not been seen for some time but presumed he had gone on holiday.

Police have been gathering CCTV from the block's security team and a forensic team have been seen gathering evidence.

A shocked father-of-two described how the generous Mr O'Donnell would often help his disabled son onto the bus.

'It was so kind of him as he himself walked with a stick. He was always smiling, joking and was very well liked.He was never any trouble, far from it. It was a pleasure to have him as a neighbour,' he said.

A woman who lives in the same building as Mr O'Donnell said he 'was very kind and he always held the door for us and said "no, you go", so a very nice guy.'

It is believed that Mr O'Donnell had been living on his own for a number of years and police are asking the public to tell them when they last saw in the past two months.

Locals said he was frequently visited by his son, but otherwise kept to himself.

A 54-year-old man from Southall was arrested on suspicion of murder and preventing a lawful burial on Wednesday, April 23. He remains in custody.

A 28-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met's Specialist Crime Command said: 'Family liaison officers are supporting Michael's family at this distressing time and my thoughts remain with them.

'We continue to work diligently to gather evidence and establish what led to Michael's' death and I would ask any local residents to take a careful look at these images to check whether they know him.

'Have you seen him since Monday, 24 February either alone or with anyone else?'

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police on 101 providing the reference CAD2369/23APR or online by visiting the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) Website.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.