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Post mortem carried out on Barnehurst murder victim

By Nina Massey

9:31am Saturday 28th January 2012

A POST mortem has been carried out on a 64-year-old grandfather who was killed in Barnehurst during a break-in.

Detectives continue to appeal for information following the murder in Bexleyheath.

It is thought suspects entered the bungalow in Edendale Road at 10pm on Wednesday (January 25), and tied up Edward Syrad and his wife while they burgled the property, stealing some cash.

During the incident, Mr Syrad was assaulted and threatened with a gun.

Police were called at around 10.25pm and attended with paramedics from London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance. Mr Syrad was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem gave the cause of death as numerous severe blunt trauma injuries and heart failure.

His wife was taken to hospital with minor injuries and was later discharged.

An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

He said: "We do not believe this was a random attack, we think that the couple have been directly targeted and our enquiries continue.

"Edward has sadly lost his life at 64 years of age and his family is devastated.

"This must have been a terrifying ordeal for the couple and we would like to hear from anyone who might have some information that will assist our investigation."

Anyone with information should call 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

No arrests have been made.

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