Elderly Patient Dies After Alleged Assault at Charing Cross Hospital, Murder Probe Launched

Andrew Farmer, an 85-year-old man from Ealing, died a week after being seriously injured in an assault by another patient at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith, west London. Police were called to the hospital on September 18 following reports of the assault, and Farmer passed away on September 25. Anatoliy Podmazko, 70, was charged with grievous bodily harm and is due to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17. The Met Police have launched a murder investigation into Farmer's death and are working closely with his family, who have been supported by specialist officers. Farmer's partner, Paul Wrigley, described him as a scholarly man with a wry sense of humor and expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Detective Inspector Kirsten Hadleigh, leading the investigation, emphasized ongoing communication with Farmer's loved ones during this difficult time.