Man, 26, in court charged with murdering married father of two, in M&S car park


A man appeared in court today charged with the murder of a married father-of-two who died after being run over by a BMW in an M&S car park.  

Shaan Mir spoke only to confirm his name, address, and age when he appeared briefly before Guildford Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Mir has been charged with the murder of 49-year-old Matthew Tester, who was hit by a motorist in Walton-upon-Thames, Surrey, and died at the scene on Thursday.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of another unnamed man after both were allegedly run over following an altercation on Thursday afternoon.

Scaffolding boss Mr Tessler, known to his friends as Tik, died at the scene. The second man, who is in his 40s, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. He is expected to recover.

Mir was told by magistrate John Elford that he will appear later today at Guildford Crown Court.

Scaffolding boss Matthew Tester, 49, locally known as Tik (pictured), was hit by a motorist in Walton-upon-Thames, Surrey

Scaffolding boss Matthew Tester, 49, locally known as Tik (pictured), was hit by a motorist in Walton-upon-Thames, Surrey 

Shocked neighbours described Mr Tester (pictured) as a family man devoted to his two teenage daughters, Maddy and Pippa

Shocked neighbours described Mr Tester (pictured) as a family man devoted to his two teenage daughters, Maddy and Pippa 

Shaven headed Mir, dressed in a grey tracksuit top and bottom, gave his address as Weybridge in Surrey. 

He was flanked by a security guard and stood during his appearance that lasted two minutes.

He was told that due to the murder charge the matter would be transferred immediately to the crown court to be dealt with by a judge who is expected to remand him in custody awaiting trial. 

It was initially believed to be a ‘road rage’ incident, but Surrey police later said those involved in the altercation were known to each other.

Police have appealed for witnesses who saw a white BMW 1 series car leaving the M&S car park after the incident.

The vehicle was later recovered in nearby Addlestone, Surrey. 

Officers were called to an M&S car park on Church Street in Walton-on-Thames at 2.15pm on Thursday (pictured at the scene)

Officers were called to an M&S car park on Church Street in Walton-on-Thames at 2.15pm on Thursday (pictured at the scene)

Police were called at 2.15pm on April 22 after a disagreement outside the M&S store on Church Street dramatically escalated. A car then slammed into the two men.

Emergency services rushed to the supermarket loading bay, but efforts to save Mr Tester failed and he was declared dead at the scene. 

Another man had to be airlifted to hospital with serious injuries – but he is expected to recover.

Police said the white BMW was later found unoccupied about four miles away from the scene in Addlestone, Surrey. 

Mr Tester’s family described him as a ‘much-loved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to so many’.

His brother, who asked not to be named, said: ‘Those who knew him will talk of his humour, generosity, willingness to help and his cheeky grin.

‘This tragedy has absolutely rocked the family who have been devastated by Tik’s death. 

‘The hurt and sadness we’ve felt over the past few days simply cannot be fully quantified… and something no-one should ever experience.

‘The consequences and ripples of Tik’s death will have a lasting effect on so many lives. No mother should expect to outlive their son.

Mr Tester, or Tik as he was affectionately known, was an avid fan of scooters. A sign on a gate outside his home in Walton on Thames read 'Lambretta parking only'

Mr Tester, or Tik as he was affectionately known, was an avid fan of scooters. A sign on a gate outside his home in Walton on Thames read ‘Lambretta parking only’

The 49-year-old scaffolding company boss leaves behind wife Kim, pictured together, and daughters Maddy and Pippa

The 49-year-old scaffolding company boss leaves behind wife Kim, pictured together, and daughters Maddy and Pippa

‘Over the past few days, the family have been inundated with condolences, love and such warmth and well wishes from friends across the country – a testament to the love and affection people have for Tik and his family. 

‘This has been of a great comfort.

‘Tik is a figure widely known and loved within the Scootering community, which have all been rocked by the news of their friend’s tragic death. 

‘This affection has so far raised over £11,000 from nearly 500 donations from the scooterists worldwide in a GoFundMe, and £22,000 from the various Just Giving pages set up to help the family.’

Tik’s daughter said: ‘Dad taught me how to live. Our favourite thing was just to laugh, because even in our darkest time we did it together.’ 

Detective Chief Inspector David Springett, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘This is an extremely difficult time for Tik’s family and I would ask that their privacy is respected to allow them to grieve in peace.’

Shocked neighbours described Mr Tester as a family man devoted to his two teenage daughters, Maddy and Pippa.  

Police at the scene in Walton-on-Thames this week as investigations into the suspected murder continued

Police at the scene in Walton-on-Thames this week as investigations into the suspected murder continued

A police officer stood beside a cordon at the junction of Cloister Court and Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, this week

A police officer stood beside a cordon at the junction of Cloister Court and Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, this week 

His wife Kim is listed on Companies House as a director of his Sunbury Scaffold Services business. 

The family lived in a £450,000 semi detached home in a quiet street about half a mile from Walton-on-Thames town centre, and the scene of the attack, for 18 years. 

A sign pinned to a wooden gate at the side of the property gave a clue to his passion for scooters and read ‘Lambretta Parking Only’ – a reference to the famous Italian scooter maker. 

The family lived in a £450,000 semi detached home in a quiet street about half a mile from Walton-on-Thames town centre, and the scene of the attack, for 18 years

The family lived in a £450,000 semi detached home in a quiet street about half a mile from Walton-on-Thames town centre, and the scene of the attack, for 18 years

A police officer stood beside a cordon at the junction of Cloister Court and Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, where the incident took place on Thursday

A police officer stood beside a cordon at the junction of Cloister Court and Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, where the incident took place on Thursday 

One neighbour said: ‘He and his wife Kim were always so friendly. He was into some sort of martial arts and helped out with one of his daughter’s football team

‘No one can quite believe that he had been killed. I only saw him a couple of days ago and he was very chatty.’

Another neighbour said: ‘He drove a Range Rover and his wife a BMW X5. 

‘They have lived in the road almost 20 years and were here when we moved in. 

‘I know he ran a scaffolding company and was a hard worker. He has two teenage daughters and was very proud of them’

The car park was closed on Thursday (the scene, pictured) although the M&S store continued trading as normal

The car park was closed on Thursday (the scene, pictured) although the M&S store continued trading as normal

Meanwhile, floral tributes in memory of the 49-year-old were left at the scene of the tragedy.

One note read: ‘Tik, We are totally devastated. The scootering community and friends have lost a true mate, and we are all thinking of Kim and your daughters tonight.’ 

Other friends remembered Mr Tester as a ‘brilliant guy’ and an ‘inspiration’ as tributes flooded in from neighbours and members of a local ‘chopper club’ following the tragedy, which struck just days before his 50th birthday. 

One wrote: ‘It is an absolute shock, great person, thoughts go out to his wife and daughters.’ 

Another added: ‘No words can express how shocking and tragic this devastating event is.’ 

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