Ilford Station victim named as his family pay tribute

A 61-year-old man who died following a serious assault at Ilford railway station has been named by police as his family pay tribute to their much-loved father, grandfather, and husband.

Jorge Ortega was taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was seriously assaulted at around 8.49pm on Wednesday 4 December. He sadly died in hospital on the evening of Friday 6 December.

His family pay tribute to him in a statement released today by Mr Ortega’s son:

"Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting. Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this. He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art. He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first. He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad. He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe. Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to. We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts."

Officers were called to Ilford railway station at around 8.49pm on Wednesday 4 December following reports of a serious assault. Paramedics and London's Air Ambulance also attended, and a man was taken to hospital with serious head injuries. An arrest was made the following morning. 28-year-old Ayodele Jamgbadi of Kingston Road in Ilford has been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm, Affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place in connection with the incident. He has been remanded and is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday 7 January 2025. Detectives will make an application to amend the indictment to reflect the victims death.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Paul Attwell, said: “This was a horrific and tragic incident which has resulted in a man losing his life. Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to Jorge’s family. Please can I ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 699 of 4 December.