Belsize Park killing: Victim Philip Silverstone was ‘lovely’ carer for wife

The man was found suffering from suspected stab wounds at Spencer House sheltered accommodation. Picture: Nigel Sutton (Image: � Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)

Philip Silverstone, 67, was found at his flat in Spencer House, a supported accommodation block in Belsize Park Gardens, on Monday morning.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and officers said he is believed to have been stabbed to death.

Friends, neighbours and shopkeepers in Belsize Village described him as a “lovely” man who liked to joke around.

Matthew Voyce, co-owner of Crescent Fruiterers, Belsize Crescent, said: “He was a nice bloke – a lovely bloke. He used to come in two or three times a week. He was a nice, big ­gentle bloke.

“It’s terrible. Everyone liked him, he always made everyone laugh. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body.

“Everyone knew him. He was that sort of character – larger than life.”

Mr Silverstone reportedly cared for his disabled wife, who uses a wheelchair, at their flat in Spencer House.

Ibrar Anwar, 24, manager of the Late Late Store, Belsize Lane, said: “He was happy all the time. He used to help his wife around here. He was a great guy. I couldn’t believe it.”

A post mortem was due to take place yesterday (Wednesday).

Police were called to Spencer House at about 10.35am on Monday.

An elderly woman was arrested shortly afterwards before being released without any further action being taken.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command are appealing for information.

A police spokesman said: “Detectives are keeping an open mind about what may have taken place.

“Officers are keen to hear from neighbours or anyone in or around the area who may have seen something that struck them as unusual or suspicious.”

Call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.