DOHERTY MURDER SENSATION

Metropolitan Police are to re-open an inquiry into the tragic death of an aspiring actor at an East London block of flats last December.

30 year-old Mark Blanco fell to his death from a balcony in Whitechapel a year ago this week. Minutes before, he had been involved in an altercation with Pete Doherty and two of the Babyshambles frontman’s friends.

The fracas allegedly took place when Blanco arrived unannounced to a party at the flat of Doherty’s friend and ‘literary agent’ Paul Roundhill.

Blanco apparently became aggressive towards Doherty after trying to convince him to attend his play at the nearby George Tavern. He was then removed from the flat, and according to witness Annabel Healdsmith, pursued by Roundhill, Johnny “Headlock” Jeannevol and Doherty. Blanco then fell to his death.

Today’s Evening Standard reports that nearby resident Paul Ellis told the deceased’s mother Sheila: “I saw Doherty come down the stairs, stand over Mark for a few seconds and then run back up the stairs. I realised that this was pretty serious and as I have some basic first aid training and was pretty sure no one outside would have a clue, I decided to go and do what I could.”

Doherty’s minder Johnny Headlock subsequently confessed to the murder of Blanco last Christmas Day at Bethnal Green Police Station, but later retracted his confession and was released without charge. The original Police investigation concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances.

That finding has now been rejected and a fresh inquiry is underway.