The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1881-07-16 00:00:00

BRIGHTON RAILWAY TRAGEDY.

THE ARREST OF LEFROY.

The man Arthur Lefroy, or Mapleton, was arrested
on Friday night in last week at the East-end of
London. Information had been received during the
day which led Police-inspectors Jarvis and Swanson to
visit a house in Stepney, the information being to the
effect that a person resembling Lefroy, and whose
habits were most mysterious, had taken lodgings since
Thursday, June 30 (three days after the murder), at
32, Smith-street. He seemed to be in ill-health, and
remained secluded in the bed-room which he had
taken. He had given the name of Clark, and had not
once during the week been observed to leave the
place.
The officers visited the house between seven and
eight o'clock on Friday evening. They knocked at
the door, and asked whether "Mr. Clark" was in.
They were informed that he was, and on walking into
the room where the man was sitting they saw at once
that Lefroy was before them. To make assurance
doubly sure, the officers had taken with them a person,
who knew Lefroy, and who at once identified him.
Lefroy said, "I suppose I must admit that I am the
man you seek, and I shall say 'Not Guilty.'" His
demeanour was very calm and collected, and he made
no attempt whatever at resistance. On being searched
nothing of importance was found upon him. He
denied knowing anything of a gold watch or revolver.
He was taken to Arbour.square Police-station, thence
to Sootland-yard, and finally to Ring-street Police-
station, Westminster, where he was handed over to
the custody of Inspector Beard. He said,—" Jam very
hungry, I have not had anything to eat all day." The
inspector sent for refreshments for him, of which he
partook as if he had been without food for some time.
He appeared annoyed at being looked at and shrank
from being gazed at, and seemed relieved to be taken
to a cell, where a policeman was placed with hm for the
night. The police would not allow any person to see
the prisoner. Lefroy wore a low hat, a thin overcoat,
and shoes. The latter were taken off, and appeared
to be almost new. A more careful search was then
made, but only a few lucifer matches were found upon
the prisoner, and these were thrown away. The shoes
were then replaced and he was conveyed to the cell.
He appeared like a man paralysed ar_d unconscious of
what was passing around him.

After Lefroy's removal to King-street Station
he was seen by a constable from Wallington,
who at once identified him. Lefroy at no time at-
tempted to deny his identity, and the only statement
he made to the authorities was that he was not guilty
of the crime imputed to him. He had no money, and
Mr. Gold's watch, which was supposed to be in his
possession, had not been discovered. He had no
bandage on the head, and the wounds which were
dressed on the day of the murder at Brighton had
almost disappeared. He was much altered since he
left Wallington on the Monday morning, his appear-
ance being such as to give the impression that he has
been suffering of late from want of food. The only at-
tempt at disguise that was noticeable was that he had
shaved off his slight moustache and whiskers. On
arriving at King-street he was at once placed in one
of the sells, and as he bad from the first expressed a dis-
inclination to be seen by anybody, he was, after his
removal there, left practically undisturbed. While
occupying it he seemed to object even to his face being
seen. He sat from the moment of his arrival on the
left-hand bench, retaining his hat and overcoat, while
his right hand was kept carefully over his face. His
left arm was crossed over his chest, and the elbow of
his right was supported by his left hand. The passage
before the cell was carefully guarded by policemen,
who necessarily from time to time examined the in-
terior of it tbrough the aperture in the door.