OAP, 88, ‘wouldn’t have given up without a fight’ as he’s found murdered by ‘burglar gang in coronavirus hazmat suits’
A PENSIONER feared murdered in a botched burglary by thugs in fake coronavirus hazmat suits "wouldn't have given up without a fight".
Dennis Kellond, 88, was found dead in his bungalow by his son in Godstone, Surrey, at around 11am yesterday.
Do you know the victim? Did you see anything? Email [email protected] or call 02077824351
It today emerged the widower had been lying dead in his home for more than 24 hours before his heartbroken son found his body.
Surrey Police have now launched a murder probe after the shocking lockdown "break-in" at his £730,000 home where he lived alone for ten years following the death of his wife Sylvia.
One neighbour confirmed the area has been targeted by burglars as recently as April 17 and said men were wearing "medial gowns" and "COVID-19 suits".
FAKE COVID SUITS
Another said Dennis had been attacked in his home and "looked like he had been in a fight."
The alarm was raised after the pensioner's body was discovered by his son who had been called by another neighbour, worried that Dennis had not been seen for some time.
The victim’s son rushed around to the home and found his dad in his bedroom.
One neighbour said she had captured pictures of the suspected burglars on wildlife cameras as they passed through her garden on Good Friday.
They were captured on CCTV footage by one of the neighbours all wearing these COVID-19 suits, the medical gowns. It was quite unsightly.
Neighbour Jason Drewett
She added: "There were two of them wearing white PPE overalls and white masks. It happened over Easter and has been reported to the police.
"They didn't steal anything from us but have taken items from others. They have stolen bikes, lawnmowers and power tools."
A woman, aged 80, who did not wish to be named, said: “Dennis’ neighbour told me that she noticed the door to the back of the house open on Sunday.
“Then, in the morning yesterday she saw the door was still open and in the same position and she became suspicious and phoned Dennis’ son who came around and found him. It was awful.
“He used to help with the preservation society and his wife, Sylvia, was the secretary of the gardening society, The Gardener’s Club, for quite some years
BREAK-INS
"Even though he was well into his 80s, he was really fit. He was a very helpful man.
“Apparently his son said he would not let somebody take things without a fight, so that gives you rather a nasty picture. Though, we have not been told anything about the state he was found in.”
Jill Woods, who lives in a nearby cul-de-sac, added: "I just hope he wasn't sort of battered to death and instead had a heart attack and died because he was scared."
She said friends had reported burglaries in the area on Sunday night where CCTV had caught people in boiler suits with ski masks on "going equipped".
A heartbroken friend said Dennis had been lying in his home for two days before his body was found.
The elderly lady who lives down the road called the man’s son because she was worried about him.
Neighbour
Officers today conducted house to house inquiries and one lane of the A25 was closed while searches were carried out. No arrests have been made.
A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death will now take place.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pirie from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “The investigation is still in the early stages but we would like to reassure the local community that we are doing everything we can to establish the circumstances of this man’s death.
"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this time who are being supported by specialist officers.
“If you have any information which could help us, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference PR/P20095551.
Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
