Man dies after alleged assault by hospital patient

Officers were called to Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith on 18 September

An elderly patient at a west London hospital has died, a week after he was reportedly attacked by another patient.

Andrew Farmer, 85, from Ealing, was found seriously injured after officers were called to reports of an assault at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith on 18 September. He later died on 25 September.

Paul Wrigley, Mr Farmer's partner, said: "My partner through thick and thin for 60 years. Now sadly missed. An Oxford first – whatever he touched, he touched deeply – opera, Devon topography, the underprivileged."

Anatoliy Podmazko, 70, was charged on 20 September with grievous bodily harm (GBH) and is next due to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on 17 October, police said.

Andrew Farmer died on 25 September

In his tribute, Mr Wrigley added: "Scholarly but with a wry sense of humour. Rest now, my dear friend."

The Met Police said it had launched a murder investigation into Mr Farmer's death.

Det Insp Kirsten Hadleigh, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with Andrew's family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time.

"We remain in close contact with Andrew's loved ones and are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation."