26 April 2021

Walton-on-Thames murder accused remanded in custody

26 April 2021

A man charged with the murder of a much-loved scooter fanatic, who was hit by a BMW has been remanded in custody, police have said.

Shaan Mir, 26, of Arlington Lodge in Weybridge, is charged in connection with the death of Matthew Tester, 49, and the attempted murder of another man, also in his 40s, following an incident in Surrey last Thursday.

Surrey Police said Mir had appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Monday and spoke only to confirm his details.

Flowers left at the scene near Church Street (PA Wire)

He was due to appear again at Guildford Crown Court on July 27, the force added.

Officers were called to Church Street, in Walton-on-Thames, at around 2.15pm on Thursday to reports of an altercation between a group of men.

A white BMW 1 Series was reported to have driven at two men in the group, killing one and seriously injuring another.

The victim was named by police as Mr Tester, known locally as Tik.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police officers at a cordon in Walton-on-Thames (PA Wire)

Surrey Police said the second man remained in hospital but that his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Paying tribute to Mr Tester, his family have spoken of his “humour and generosity”.

His brother said: “Tik was a much-loved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to so many. Those who knew him will talk of his humour, generosity, willingness to help and his cheeky grin.

“This tragedy has absolutely rocked the family, who have been devastated by Tik’s death. The hurt and sadness we’ve felt over the past few days simply cannot be fully quantified and something no-one should ever experience.

“The consequences and ripples of Tik’s death will have a lasting effect on so many lives. No mother should expect to outlive their son.”

Mr Tester’s daughter said: “Dad taught me how to live. Our favourite thing was just to laugh, because even in our darkest time we did it together.”

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