Britain’s first Pokemon Go murder? Supermarket worker ‘beaten to death in car park over mobile phone game’
Carl Gregory, 20, was killed after apparently getting into a fight in Broadstairs, Kent
A SUPERMARKET worker has been beaten to death in a car park in what is feared to be Britain’s first Pokemon Go murder.
Carl Gregory, 20, was killed after apparently getting into a fight over the mobile phone game.
Two men aged aged 20 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of murder in Broadstairs, Kent.
Grieving friends and family of Carl, allegedly beaten to death while playing the game yesterday, described his killing as sickening and senseless.
Carl is said to have been left face down and unconscious in a car park by his attackers.
He died in the arms of his girlfriend Chloe Lemare, 19.
Chloe’s mum Shanice yesterday said it was horrifying that Carl may have died over his love of Pokemon Go.
In an emotional Facebook outburst, she said: “F****** Pokemon. He was killed for nothing. He’s just a kid and a lovely one at that. Is this what life’s come to?”
Carl was apparently attacked after getting involved in a fight while taking part in the mobile phone game, in which players compete to locate and capture virtual Pokemon monsters.
Paramedics battled to save Carl but he died in the shopping centre car park in Broadstairs, Kent, just after 10pm on Tuesday.
Police arrested two men aged 20 and 27, who were known to Carl, on suspicion of his murder.
No weapons were used in the alleged attack.
Both Carl, from Ramsgate, and Chloe were keen Pokemon Go players. He had posted his game scores on his Facebook page since the game was launched in July.
The couple were also members of a Facebook group called Pokemon Go East Kent/Thanet. Its 751 members share tips on where to find monsters in the area.
Chloe yesterday said she felt guilty she could not save him.
She said: “I couldn’t bring him back but he was a loved man and we both loved each other
“I am missing you. I wish I could hold you again. I love you so much I wanna be with you.”
Chloe, a Homebase worker from Birchington, said in another tribute: “Yesterday I lost the love of my life in my arms. He was the most amazing guy.
“You are they love of my life Carl and I want to see you one last time. I’m just so angry and sad I couldn't save you.”
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Carl and Chloe had just got back together after splitting up last month following an 18 month relationship.
His gran Ann, 62, who lives in Valencia, last night posted her own poignant Facebook tribute.
She said: “My eldest grandson Carl Gregory taken from us. Such a loving carefree boy. We will miss you so, so much.”
I lost the love of my life — an amazing guy
Carl’s mum Helen was too distraught to speak last night.
Police were yesterday searching the car park and scrutinising CCTV footage.
Kent Police said: “Officers investigating the death arrested two men aged 20 and 27 on suspicion of murder and they are in custody.
“The victim and the suspects were known to each other.”
Pokemon Go became a massive global hit when it launched its app in July. Players use their mobile’s GPS system to track down and capture virtual monsters who appear on screen as if they were in the real world.
They use their monsters to fight battles at locations called “gyms.”
The app makers have also been criticised for using cemeteries and war memorials as locations for capturing monsters.
In August an 18-year-old said she was raped in the toilets of a club in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, during a Pokemon hunt party.
Days after the game’s launch a boy of 18 was shot and killed while playing. Weeks later a young girl died in Cambodia when a car hit her as she tried to catch a Pokemon monster on a road.
The game has been blamed for numerous injuries, with 300 police incidents reported in the UK.