Man Who Lived Under Chiswick Flyover Dies

He is believed to have resided next to the A4 for over thirty years

The site of his home under Chiswick Flyover. Picture: Google Streetview

A man who had lived in a makeshift home under the Chiswick Flyover for at least thirty years has been found dead.

Police were called to the location on the A4 near the junction with Larch Drive this Tuesday (26 January) after concerns were raised for his welfare.

London Ambulance Service attended and the man, who is believed to be in his seventies, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Floral tributes have started to be placed at the location of his encampment across the road from the B&Q store.

Floral tributes have been laid. Picture: Irish in London/Facebook

Little is known for certain about the man who was first seen at the site in the eighties. He has been named as John Dwyer and it is believed he originally came from Donegal in Ireland.

There has been speculation for some time that he set up camp at this spot following the death of his wife and child nearby but this has never been confirmed.

He could sometimes be aggressive towards people who approached his den but others report him as being gentle and kind. He often put up placards with messages on which were difficult to decipher.

He was well known to the Council and other agencies who had, for many years, been trying to help him. Mr Dwyer was very independently minded and resisted attempts to move him into accommodation, although last year he did accept some help and he stayed in accommodation for a short while but in the end decided to move back to where he was living as he regarded this as his home.

Hounslow Council Leader, Cllr Steven Curran, said,“This is very sad news and I would like to give my sincere condolences to John’s family, friends and people that knew him.

"The Council will be liaising with the Coroner’s office, as well as relatives and friends to make John’s funeral arrangements."

Calls have been made from some local residents to put up a plaque at the site of his home.

January 29, 2021