DETECTIVES are continuing to investigate the murder of a 32-year-old man who died in hospital days after being attacked.

David Henkel was beaten up behind the Original Best Kebab House in the Luton area of Chatham, at about 10pm last Saturday.

He later died at Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital. His family was at his bedside.

Mr Henkel, originally from South Africa, lived in Chatham and had worked for Passmore’s Portable Buildings Ltd in Strood High Street for four years.

Company secretary Simon Taylor said: “We are all very shocked. David was a valued member of staff. Other members of staff who are affected will be offered assistance if they need it. Of course, when the time comes we will allow staff to attend the funeral.”

A post mortem examination carried out on Wednesday confirmed that the cause of death was severe head injuries.

Detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses. A spokesman for Medway Police said: “In particular, we would like to identify a group of men of East European appearance who were known to be outside the Best Kebab shop at the time of the attack."

Detectives say the group was later seen running away from the area, towards Magpie Hall Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 654850 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls to Crimestoppers are free and are treated in the strictest of confidence.