A 36-YEAR-OLD man has died two weeks after being attacked in his home.

Ted Shaxted, of Wallis Park, Northfleet, died on Sunday night (Dec 16) after three men forced their way into his house and attacked him on December 2.

Mr Shaxted, who was unmarried, was taken to Darent Valley Hospital after the attack.

Neighbour Robert Jordan found Mr Shaxted. He said: "I got a knock on the door and it was his mate. We went up to his house and the bathroom looked like a slaughterhouse.

"There was blood everywhere, in the bath, in the sink and on the curtains. You could see his skull was cracked.

"He was lying on the settee in the living room but they must have put him there as there was not much blood.

"We called for an ambulance and they took him away."

The 47-year-old said Mr Shaxted was unemployed and living by himself, although he had a girlfriend.

Mr Jordan also said Mr Shaxted was called Rooster' because of his red hair.

"He got on well with everyone," he added.

His family released a statement paying tribute to him.

It said: "Ted was a kind, caring man and his untimely death is a huge loss to the whole family.

"We would urge anyone who has any information which would help people with this investigation to come forward."

A post-mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow.

Police say the attackers were in their 20s or 30s. One has a dark beard.

Detective Inspector Ian Dampier, from north Kent police, who is investigating the assault, said: "This was a vicious attack on a defenceless man in his own home.

"I am keen to hear from anybody who may have seen anything or anyone who may have any information which would assist this investigation."

Any witnesses to the attack, which happened at around 10.50pm, should call Mr Dampier on 01474 565091 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

  • Two men and two women have been arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.