A man has been charged with the murder of Phillip Bagwell, who was found dead at a residential address on North Street in Leatherhead last week.

The 54-year-old died after receiving “serious injuries to his head and abdomen” according to a post-mortem examination.

On Saturday (June 13), Surrey Police who are investigating the killing said they had charged one of the two men arrested after Phillip’s death.

“Daniel George Hopper (known locally as Daniel Styles), 32, of Leatherhead, was charged in the early hours of this morning and will appear at Guildford magistrates court today (13 June)

“A second man (33), also arrested in connection with the incident, was released yesterday without charge,” a spokesperson for the county police force said.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of murder in the immediate aftermath of the killing by police soon after Phillip’s body was found in the early hours of Wednesday morning (June 10).

As the Comet reported previously, a significant police cordon was put in place in Leatherhead after police were called to the address on North Street where Phillip died.

The area between Lidl Supermarket and the Penny Black pub was shut down while police investigated the killing.

After arrests were made and police pursued their leads, the police presence continued to “reassure residents”.

On Saturday, Surrey Police said that their officers “remain in the local area to provide reassurance to the community.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday added his thoughts after the murder charge was announced: “I am grateful to the local community for their cooperation and patience whilst we carry out this investigation,” he said.

“I also ask that you respect the privacy of Phillip Bagwell’s family at this difficult time for them,” DCI Friday added.