A MURDERED man had his ear bitten off and ribs and jaw broken before being set fire to in his home, it has been revealed.

Norman Hawkins, 59, was found when firefighters were called to the blaze at his bungalow in Croxley Green, Orpington, at about at 5.50am on Saturday, June 9.

Mr Hawkins, who was suffering from throat cancer, had items piled on top of him and his body was so badly burned police could not confirm his gender until a post mortem at Princess Royal hospital, Farnborough, the following day. He died of multiple injuries.

It is believed he was killed by Lee Scamp, 21, whose body was also found in the house. He had Mr Hawkin's ear and stolen valuables in his pockets and blood on his hands. He was well known to police and was tagged at the time of the incident.

He was on bail for burglary and had been convicted of assault two days earlier. He died of smoke inhalation.

A murder investigation into the incident was launched on Thursday after the inquest at Southwark Coroner's Court was opened and adjourned on Tuesday.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Ch Insp Tim Grattan-Kane in the incident room on 020 8721 4066 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.