Friends pay tribute to retired British couple murdered in Kenya

Friends of two pensioners who were reportedly murdered in Kenya paid tribute today to a "lovely couple".

Norman Joel, 70, and wife Rita, 67, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, died after they were attacked during a suspected robbery in the city of Mombasa.

The couple, who were regular travellers to Africa, were visiting Kenya's second city to try to buy a property.

Kenyan police are investigating the deaths and have arrested two people.

The couple flew to the coastal city two weeks ago. They were due to return to Britain early this week.

It is not clear where the attack took place but both are believed to have suffered stab wounds.

Jon Casey, a friend and neighbour of the couple, said they were regular visitors to Mombasa.

Mr Casey, a 28-year-old nurse, said Mr Joel, known to friends as Tony, had been robbed in Mombasa during a visit last year.

He said: "It's just shocking to hear what's happened to them, it's really upsetting. I have known them for four years, they are a lovely, generous couple. Tony is a really nice chap and Rita is an absolute diamond."

The Joels had been married for 20 years. Mrs Joel had a son, Richard, from a previous marriage, Mr Casey said.

He added: "We found out that something terrible had happened out there to them last week.

"Richard came around - he looked very upset but didn't go into too many details. We've heard that they were both stabbed repeatedly.

"They were frequent visitors to Mombasa, three or four times a year, and they were trying to buy or build a place so they could have somewhere nice to stay in the future.

"I think the place they had in mind wasn't part of a resort, though, or anything like that. They weren't particularly rich but I suppose people must have seen them as an easy target."

The deaths were reported to the High Commission on 15 October.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are in contact with the family and will be keeping them updated."