Two arrests were made in the 1984 murder of Anthony Littler near East Finchley Tube Station

In a significant development, the Metropolitan Police have arrested two men in connection with the 1984 murder of Anthony Littler, marking a major breakthrough in a case that has puzzled investigators for nearly four decades. Littler, 45, was tragically found dead in an alleyway shortly after midnight on May 1, 1984, near London‘s East Finchley Tube Station. His death, characterized by significant head injuries, had remained an unsolved mystery, casting a long shadow over the area.

The location where Littler’s body was discovered, once a bushy alley known as The Causeway, has undergone considerable change over the years, now housing FIa McDonald’s and residential buildings. This transformation of the crime scene reflects the passage of time since the murder, complicating the investigation.

Despite the challenges, a renewed effort by the police has led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 56 and 57, offering a glimmer of hope for justice. This breakthrough follows an intensive investigation into a crime that, according to the police, appeared to be a random attack. The motive behind Littler’s murder remains a mystery, deepening the intrigue surrounding the case.

The arrests come on the heels of a revelation linking Littler’s murder to another violent incident in the area, involving a brutal baseball bat assault. This connection suggests a potential pattern of violence that investigators are keen to unravel.

Littler’s family has expressed their enduring grief over his untimely death, describing him as a kind and gentle man whose loss has irrevocably affected them. They hope that these latest developments will finally lead to the conviction of those responsible, offering some measure of closure.

Local residents and those familiar with the case have expressed mixed feelings about the prospects of solving the murder after so many years. The dramatic changes in the neighbourhood, coupled with the absence of modern investigative tools at the time of the crime, present significant obstacles. However, the persistence of the police and advances in forensic science have rekindled hopes that justice may yet be served.

As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may shed further light on this case. The person who made the initial 999 calls, along with anyone else who might have witnessed the events surrounding Anthony Littler’s murder, is urged to come forward.

This case’s resurgence is a poignant reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice, irrespective of the time that has elapsed. It underscores the importance of persistence, technological advancement, and community support in solving even the most challenging cold cases.