A 35-year-old New Malden businessman has been charged with murder, after a North Korean man was stabbed to death in Kingston Road on July 7.

Seong Hong, who lives at the house in Kingston Road, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, July 11, accused of stabbing construction worker Myung Chul Jang in the chest at about 10.30pm, leaving him bleeding to death in the back garden.

Despite being rushed for specialist care at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, Mr Jang died several hours later.

Mr Hong, who is yet to enter a plea, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 16.

Five other people were arrested shortly after the stabbing but have since been released with no further action to be taken, police said.

Neighbours said they heard a man “crying and begging” following an argument outside the house on the night of the stabbing.

Mr Jang is believed to have come to New Malden from Liverpool several weeks ago looking for work, before finding employment as a construction worker.

Police said they were keeping an open mind regarding motive.

A murder squad incident room has been opened under Detective Inspector Gail Granville of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4155, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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