Murder charge

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A man's been charged with the murder of a homeless man in the Thames Valley

35 year old Alan Levey, from Southampton Street in in Reading, will appear before magistrates in Newbury on Monday 28th February 2011.

Damian Whyte (pictured), was found on View Island, Caversham, in the early hours of Wednesday morning (23rd February).

A post mortem examination revealed that he died of multiple stab wounds.

Chief Inspector Stan Gilmour, who is leading the murder investigation, said:

“We need to know more about Mr Whyte’s movements in the hours leading up to his death.

“My Whyte was very well known among the homeless community in Reading, which is a very closely knit group. He was often referred to by his friends as ‘Tottenham Paul’.

“Our officers have been speaking to members of that community but I am sure that there are more of his friends who will know more about what he was doing from Tuesday afternoon onwards who have not yet come forward to police.”

Supt Stuart Greenfield, the Reading Local Police Area Commander, said:

“We appreciate that incidents like this can be deeply unsettling for the community and that people will feel understandably concerned.

“I must stress, however, that incidents of this nature are very rare in Reading and that the town is a safe place for people to live, work and visit.

“Serious violent crime has reduced significantly throughout Reading during the past year.

“On behalf of the officers investigating the incident, I would like to thank those members of the community who have come forward with information to help the investigation and would urge anyone who has not yet done so to contact police urgently.”

Anyone with any information that could help police with this investigation should contact the Major Crime Team at Loddon Valley police station via 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police, or leave your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.