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An 86-year-old man who died after he was allegedly attacked during a robbery at his home was an "important part of the neighbourhood", locals said. John Burke had been suffering from poor health when the ground floor flat he shared with his wife was targeted by an alleged serial burglar. Ashley Malcolm, 39, is charged with murdering the pensioner after he died the day after the incident. Malcolm is also accused of two other raids in the hours before he is said to have targeted John's home in Hackney, north east London, shortly after 10am on Monday September 29. The pensioner was taken to hospital after he was assaulted but was discharged and died the following day at home. A local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We would see him every day and help him out. His health had been deteriorating over recent years. He wasn't very well and it's just sad to hear. The person that did this was preying on someone who was already weak. John was a nice man. He was always really pleasant and would make jokes with us. He was an important part of the neighbourhood." John is understood to have a son who would visit him regularly. A murder investigation was launched last Wednesday after police were provided with further medical evidence. Malcolm, of Reighton Road, Hackney, will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Tuesday November 11 charged with murder. Acting Det Chief Supt Brittany Clarke said: "We understand the community concern surrounding this case in which John very sadly lost his life. Officers worked at pace throughout the investigation and reacted quickly when any new information came to light. "John was a much-loved neighbour and my thoughts remain with his family and friends. I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation." Malcolm has already been charged with robbery and is also accused of two separate burglaries and one attempted break-in in Hackney in September. These are an alleged burglary at Gransden Road on Wednesday, September 24, and a burglary at Brooke Road and attempted burglary at Stamford Hill on the day he is said to have murdered John. The Brooke Road incident happened at 6.25am and was reported the next day, the Met said. The attempted burglary was at 7.15am and was police were called two minutes later.
