Beaten to death by cowboy workmen

A MURDER victim is believed to have been attacked by a gang of door-to-door workmen armed with baseball bats.

Tragic Clive Enkel, 53, was battered viciously around the head, suffering appalling injuries after the mob forced his front door.[>

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Neighbours raised the alarm after spotting his door had been broken down but, though Mr Enkel survived the attack, he died two days later in hospital.[>

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Police arrived to find him lying in his home in Abridge, near Romford, Essex. Residents in the suburban drive said they heard a gang had broken in with baseball bats and attacked him.[>

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One neighbour said: “A gang had been going round touting for business. I believe they called at his home and cut a tree down then robbed him.[>

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“They came back mob-handed and gave him a pasting. He was a quiet bloke, kept himself to himself. He was quite a recluse.”[>

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Another said: “I heard they had done some work for him and then came back and rifled through his stuff.[>

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“They warned him if he called the police they would come back and get him. He had lived here for 50-odd years. He was very pleasant but quiet.”[>

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A black tarpaulin was yesterday hung over the door of the three-bedroom, mid-terrace property.[>

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Two police officers stood guard outside while forensic officers in white suits, gloves and masks made a fingertip search of the house.[>

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Neighbour Harry Rowley said: “Police came knocking on the door asking if we had seen or heard anything and we said no.[>

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“We heard that travellers had done some work in the garden and there may have been some dispute over the price.[>

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“They are thought to have come back with baseball bats. I knew him to say hello to – it’s shocking.”[>

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Police carrying out house-to-house inquiries believe a gang of up to five men may have been involved.[>

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Locals said that a group of men had been in the area in the days prior to the killing looking for work.[>

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Police are appealing for anyone who received a knock at the door from the men to get in touch. They say residents should be vigilant.[>

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Detective Superintendent John Quinton, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is an appalling attack that has left his family devastated.[>

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“Someone must have information that will help us catch those responsible. No stone will be left unturned in this investigation.[>

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“I am appealing to anyone with any information to contact the police and I can assure them we will treat it in the strictest confidence.”[>

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