The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1881-07-16 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

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 Policestation, 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 attempted 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 appearance being such as to give the impression that he has been suffering of late from want of food. The only attempt 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 disinclination 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 interior of it tbrough the aperture in the door.