Chameleon's Shadow

Murder victim ‘beaten to death’

THE BODY OF A MAN, discovered year. Det Supt Jones said Mr Britton two days ago when police were may have known his attacker. called to a house in south London, ‘There was no sign of forced entry,’ has been identified as that of Martin he added. Britton, a 71-yr-old retired civil ser-The Superintendent refused to vant who worked for the Ministry of confirm whether this murder is Defence. Friends and neighbours being linked to the death of Harry said Mr Britton hadn’t been seen for Peel, a 57-yr-old taxi driver who several days. The decision to enter died from extensive head injuries the house was taken after police two weeks ago. Mr Peel lived less used a ladder to check the bedroom than two miles from Greenham windows. Road and was found in his bedroom

A post-mortem examination car-by his estranged wife after she ried out yesterday revealed that became concerned that he wasn’t Martin Britton died from head injur-answering his mobile. ies. ‘He was beaten to death in a The police have enlisted the help violent attack,’ said Det Supt Brian of the gay community in the search Jones, who is leading the inquiry. for Harry Peel’s killer. A one-time ‘We believe it happened on Satur-soldier in an armoured regiment, he day, 23 September, and we are ask-worked for several years in the ing for anyone who was in docks before becoming a cab driver Greenham Road on that date to seven years ago. He was a regular come forward.’ visitor to the bars and clubs in his

Neighbours describe Martin Brit-area. ton as a ‘charming and courteous’ Searches by scenes of crime offiman who became ‘something of a cers are continuing at the Greenham recluse’ after his partner died last Road house.