Hillingdon Police's borough commander has spoken out after the “tragic and senseless” death of Josh Hanson and has moved to reassure the public that the attack was not “gang-related”.

Josh, 21, was killed in the RE bar, in Field End Road, Eastcote, in the early hours of Sunday (October 11) morning.

An ambulance crew attended and found him suffering a serious wound to the neck and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 40 people were said to be in the bar at the time, while Josh, from Kingsbury in Brent, was enjoying a night out.

Hillingdon borough commander Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Downing told getwestlondon: "The tragic and senseless death of Josh Hanson reminds us how valuable young life is, and why we must all work together to prevent violence and protect the community.”

Nick Downing, Hillingdon borough commander for the Met, offered his condolences to Josh's family

Police investigating the attack have launched a murder investigation but have not yet made any arrests.

DCS Downing said: "While Josh's mother Tracey is very bravely supporting the police appeals to find his killer, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her and the entire Hanson family.

"At present, an active murder investigation is under way.

"Specialist detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are conducting extensive lines of enquiry to locate the man who ended Josh's life and bring him to justice."

Borough policing teams are working together with murder investigators to conduct street level enquiries at Field End Road and in the local area.

Killed: 21-year-old Josh Hanson
Killed: 21-year-old Josh Hanson

Hillingdon's Neighbourhood Policing Team is in direct contact with the local community, responding to information and concerns, and officers are making every effort to keep the public updated with any developments, DCS Downing said.

"Uniformed officers are offering reassurance and a visible presence to the public while there is ongoing police activity at the RE Bar, which is now subject of an expedited review," he said.

"This is an isolated incident and there is nothing to indicate this was anyway gang-related.

"There have been no previous reports of violence at the venue and violence to this degree is simply not recognised in Eastcote nor any of our pubs, bars and restaurants across the borough.

"A long-term strategy is under way to ensure that every licensed premises in Hillingdon is compliant and prioritising staff and client safety by implementing crime prevention measures wherever possible."

The RE Bar cordoned off by police on Monday (October 12)

Hillingdon Police have conducted “extensive work” alongside Hillingdon Council to identify problem premises and act on intelligence and evidence which comes to light, DCS Downing added.

“Since January, we have served multiple closure orders to licensed premises which have broken the law and enforced licensing restriction orders," he said. "Those who have since re-opened are now subject of continual review.

"Violence and criminal activity in any form has no place in Hillingdon and the safety of our community remains at the forefront in everything we do.

"As ever, your voice remains a powerful tool in preventing crime and can help us in our fight against crime. If you have any information or concerns about an issue which is affecting you or your community, please speak to us."

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.