29-07-2025
Privately educated rugby player and his father killed in Southwark stabbing
The Metropolitan Police said a 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, and three other men were taken to hospital
Officers said a 31-year-old man, who is a British citizen and was initially detained in connection with the incident, was arrested on Monday. He remains in hospital and his condition is not life-threatening.
Mr McMillan had run his business since 1999 and was behind hundreds of social housing and student bed units.
The company describes itself as one of the capital's 'most distinctive and pioneering property companies' and that it aims to 'strive to be an innovative and forward-thinking company and implement this mindset in everything we do'.
Mr McMillan, who grew up in Hackney, established a family trust in 2007 with his wife Sheron, also a director of Trademark Group, with the aim of helping people from underprivileged backgrounds.
Rosemary George, 59, has worked as a cleaner for the family for the last 14 years.
She said: 'I watched Brendan finish secondary school. From secondary school, he went to college and then university for four years. He had a gap year in America. He did physical education and was good at rugby as well.
'I WhatsApped him yesterday at 3pm and there was no answer. I was calling the office and there was no answer. I didn't know what had happened. I found out this morning. I have cleaned their house for almost ten years – twice a week at the house and here once every three weeks.'
'Terry doesn't like taking pictures. He was a fair man. He has a daughter and three sons. He lived with his wife Sheron in Chislehurst. The daughter is in her 30s.
'The office has roughly seven or eight people working there. It's not huge. Not all of them are family. I was worried because normally someone would always pick up the phone and nobody was picking up the phone.'
More tributes have been left at the scene, with one stating: 'To our friend and family. You are a special person, loyal, loving and caring. You live as long as you are remembered. You will never be forgotten on or off the patch.'
'Absolutely devastating'
On Tuesday, witnesses told of their shock over the incident and described hearing screams of 'help me!' before paramedics were later seen performing CPR on a man in a stretcher.
One local described seeing a man thought to be the suspect receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene. 'I saw him get tackled to the ground,' he said. 'There were 12 to 15 people out the back. There was a load of commotion, hundreds of people looking out from the balconies. He was on the ground, facing down, shirtless. He was quite bloody.'
Another witness said: 'It's terrifying. 'I walk past there all the time – it makes you feel really uneasy. You just don't expect something like this to happen on a normal weekday.'
A crime scene remains in place and the investigation continues as forensic officers examine the area.
On Tuesday, Labour MP Neil Coyle, who represents Bermondsey and Old Southwark, visited the scene. He described the attack as 'truly awful' and said the stabbings were 'targeted'.
'It's absolutely devastating for the family and the local community,' he said. 'Thankfully, police say this was an isolated incident. The man who carried out the attack knew the others involved.
'There's no excuse for what happened, but there's no further risk to the public. Police believe they have witnesses, but if anyone else saw anything, please contact the police and share any information you have.'
'Investigation continues at pace'
He added: 'Lots of people will be shaken. As the local MP, I want to send my condolences to the family and everyone directly affected.
'But this is a safe community. This was a targeted, isolated incident.
'The man responsible is already detained, and as you can see, police are investigating thoroughly. Paramedics also did everything they could yesterday to try to save lives.'
Det Ch Supt Emma Bond, who leads policing for the area, said: 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and friends of the victims of this tragic incident.
'Our investigation continues at pace and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances.
'I understand there may be concern in the local community and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.
'I would also encourage anyone who may be worried to speak to an officer.'
