Folkestone: New Appeal Over Car Park Murder

Police investigating the murder of a man who was found badly injured in a car park in Folkestone have appealed for anyone who saw or had contact with the victim in the week before he died to come forward.

Officers also want to speak to those who were in the town late on Friday 8 November into the early hours of Saturday 9 November when 45-year-old Tim Clayton was assaulted.

He died the following day (Remembrance Sunday) in the Royal London Hospital.
 
CCTV has shown a person walking close to where Mr Clayton was sleeping in the car park of Europa House in Pound Way at 3am on the Saturday. The indistinct image shows the person using a Smart phone before walking away.
 
It has been established that Mr Clayton, a father of two, was seriously injured at about 3.30am and was found later at 8.30am when emergency services were called.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fotheringham said: "We would like to speak to this person as a potential witness who could have information that they could share.

We would also like to speak to those who talked to or met with Mr Clayton in the week before he died. They may be able to assist us in piecing together the circumstances that led up to his death.
 
"My message is – don’t hold back if you had contact with Mr Clayton or were out and about in Folkestone on that Friday night into the Saturday morning. You could have important information that could assist our murder enquiry.'
 
Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01303 289600.
 
A man has been charged with Mr Clayton's murder. Brian Sharp, 54, of Manor Road, Folkestone has been remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court at a later date.

Family Tribute

Jessica, aged 22, and Jake, 21, have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from their father's friends and a social media group set up in his memory has been joined by 1,000 people.

Jessica said: 'Dad was always smiling. We all knew he had his demons but despite what was going on in his life, he would always go out of his way to help other people.'

Born and brought up in the Folkestone area, Mr Clayton attended Harvey Grammar School and after getting married he lived with his family in Cheriton, Lyminge and Elham. With his brother Simon, he was a keen Liverpool FC supporter.

Latterly he worked at Comet stores in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone and some of the most moving tributes have come from former customers of the stores.

Jake said: 'It has been amazing that people have said that they remember him although he may have only served them once. I think it is because he would always do that little bit extra to ensure that customers received a good service.'

Mr Clayton also leaves his parents Anna and John.