'Former friend named' over beach bashing death of Angry Anderson’s son, 26, as the rocker flies back to be with his grieving family

  • The man arrested over Liam Anderson's bashing murder was a family friend 
  • 20-year-old Matthew Flame allegedly had to be subdued with pepper spray 
  • Police have said the attack was not random and the two men knew each other
  • The victim's father, rock star Angry Anderson is rushing home to be with family

By Alex Chapman and Lauren Ferri For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 06:05 EST, 4 November 2018 | Updated: 07:05 EST, 4 November 2018

The man arrested over the bashing death of the son of iconic Australian rock star Angry Anderson has been revealed as his former best friend.

Liam Anderson, 26, was killed in a violent assault in a park in Queenscliff in Sydney's northern beaches on Sunday just after 6am.

Mathew Flame, 20, was arrested at the scene after police had to use pepper spray to subdue him.

Mr Anderson was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital. He died en route as a result of his injuries.

The son of famous Australian rock star Angry Anderson (pictured: Liam Anderson) was killed after a violent assault at a popular Sydney beach on Sunday

The son of famous Australian rock star Angry Anderson (pictured: Liam Anderson) was killed after a violent assault at a popular Sydney beach on Sunday

Police have said the two men knew each other prior to the attack, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Liam had recently told Flame he was his 'homie' and said 'love ya, mate'.

Residents on Pavilion Street and Bridge Road said they heard sounds of moaning coming from the park, located next to busy Freshwater Beach.

When police arrived, they had to pull Flame off Anderson's unconscious body.

Detective Inspector Michael Boutouridis said the 20-year-old man was violent and resisted officers when they tried to arrest him.

'Capsicum spray was used, OC spray, and significant force was used to arrest him,' Inspector Boutouridis said.

'I want to deliver a strong message that this was not a random attack, we have one offender in custody and there are none outstanding.'

Liam Anderson was found unconscious by emergency crews after they were called to Queenscliff in Sydney's northern beaches (pictured)

Liam Anderson was found unconscious by emergency crews after they were called to Queenscliff in Sydney's northern beaches (pictured)

Angry Anderson's (pictured) son was an aspiring musician, just like his rock star father

Angry Anderson's (pictured) son was an aspiring musician, just like his rock star father

The 26-year-old is one of Angry Anderson's three sons (pictured Angry Anderson and his family)

The 26-year-old is one of Angry Anderson's three sons (pictured Angry Anderson and his family)

Inspector Boutouridis said the man in custody is expected to be charged with murder.

'I am confident at this stage this is not a random attack,' he said.

'In fact I am certain the two fellows knew each other, both young men, I don't know the circumstances that lead to them being at the reserve this morning at Queenscliff, that's why I am appealing to the community to assist us.'

Liam Anderson was the youngest son of iconic rock star Angry Anderson, who was touring in Perth at the time of his son's death.

Following in his father's footsteps, Liam was a musician.

Speaking to Nine News, his mother said Liam was an aspiring hip-hop rapper and wrote lyrics in a way of expressing himself.  

Liam Anderson (pictured, left with father Gary) was unconscious and suffering from severe head wounds when emergency crews arrived

Liam Anderson (pictured, left with father Gary) was unconscious and suffering from severe head wounds when emergency crews arrived

Mr Anderson was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital but sadly died en route as a result of his injuries

Mr Anderson was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital but sadly died en route as a result of his injuries

Angry Anderson was woken by his eldest son who told him of Liam's death and immediately made plans to return home to be with his family.

A written note was taped to a bin outside the rock star's Beacon Hill home, asking for their privacy to be respected during the time.

Mr Anderson's manager, Scot Crawford, released a statement on Sunday, explaining the family asked their privacy be respected.

'Following the death of Angry Anderson’s son Liam in Sydney in the early hours of Sunday morning November 4, 2018, the family has asked that media and the general public respect their privacy,' the statement read.

'With the matter in the hands of NSW Police, the family will not be making any comment at this stage, nor are we as Anderson’s management in a position to offer any comment on their behalf.'

The young man was suffering severe head wounds and was unconscious when emergency crews arrived

The young man was suffering severe head wounds and was unconscious when emergency crews arrived

Mr Anderson's family have attached a note to their bin outside their home asking for their privacy to be respected during this time

Mr Anderson's family have attached a note to their bin outside their home asking for their privacy to be respected during this time

Residents told 9News they heard moaning sounds coming from Pavilion reserve about 5.30am.

'We started to hear aggressive moaning and it just kept getting louder and louder,' Kim Luker said.

'Then at 6.10am it was really loud and then all of a sudden it just stopped.'

A crime scene has been set up in the area and residents have been interviewed by police. 

Residents along Pavilion Street and Bridge Road heard sounds of moaning coming from a small park

Residents along Pavilion Street and Bridge Road heard sounds of moaning coming from a small park

Detective Inspector Michael Boutouridis said the man in custody is expected to be charged with murder

Detective Inspector Michael Boutouridis said the man in custody is expected to be charged with murder

Angry Anderson (pictured, left performing with Guns'n'Roses) has fronted rock band Rose Tattoo since 1976

Angry Anderson (pictured, left performing with Guns'n'Roses) has fronted rock band Rose Tattoo since 1976

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Former friend named over bashing death of Angry Anderson’s son as the rocker flies to be with family

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