Man accused of murdering 22-year-old outside Croydon bowling alley

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 14:58 · Archive

Ellis Anim-Annor, 29, is accused of fatally stabbing Lorik Abazi, 22, in the heart outside a Croydon bowling alley in the early hours of February 15.

Ellis Anim-Annor, 29, from Bromley, is accused of murdering Lorik Abazi, 22, outside Tenpin Croydon Bowling Alley in the early hours of February 15. He also faces charges of wounding a second man with intent. Anim-Annor has denied both charges.

The court heard that earlier that evening, both groups had been celebrating Valentine's Day at the bowling alley. Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told jurors there was no trouble inside the venue and both groups left at about 1am. Anim-Annor then went to a nearby McDonald's drive-through before returning to the area.

According to the prosecutor, there is some suggestion that one of Mr Abazi's group had made a remark about Anim-Annor's girlfriend, Ines Bernado's, appearance. Mr Orchard told the court: 'The reason behind the confrontation is not entirely clear.' He added that the confrontation escalated into a fight in the Valley Retail Park car park, with Anim-Annor allegedly arming himself with a knife.

During the fight, Anim-Annor allegedly used the knife to stab Mr Abazi in the heart. Two other members of Mr Abazi's group suffered slash or stab injuries in the incident.

Emergency services were called at 1.19am. Mr Abazi was treated at the scene and taken to Croydon University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2.01am. The other injured men were treated at the scene and taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London.

The trial at the Old Bailey continues.

Man accused of murdering 22-year-old outside Croydon bowling alley — Image: This Is Local London

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How it is being reported

Croydon bowling alley murder sparked by comment about Valentine’s date, court toldA 22-year-old man was stabbed in the heart outside a Croydon bowling alley after a confrontation allegedly sparked by a comment about a woman’s appearance.This Is Local London · 27 Oct, 14:30
Croydon bowling alley murder sparked by comment about Valentine’s date, court toldA 22-year-old man was stabbed in the heart outside a Croydon bowling alley after a confrontation allegedly sparked by a comment about a woman’s appearance.Croydon Guardian · 27 Oct, 14:30
Bromley man accused of stabbing man to death outside bowling alleyA Bromley man is accused of stabbing a 22-year-old to death outside a Croydon bowling alley following an alleged comment about his Valentine’s Day date.News Shopper · 27 Oct, 14:22
Man fatally 'stabbed rival in heart' outside Croydon bowling alley after comment about Valentine's dateA man accused of stabbing a 22-year-old in the heart outside a south London bowling alley allegedly took exception to a comment about his Valentine's Day date's appearance, a court has heard.MyLondon · 27 Oct, 13:20

In this story: Ellis Anim-Annor · Lorik Abazi · Ines Bernado · Anthony Orchard KC · Croydon · Bromley · Old Bailey

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