Police are appealing for information after a man was found dead, having been bound and gagged, in Streatham, south-west London.

Keith Webb, a Jamaican with no children, died as a result of 'maltreatment' at the hands of several people, according to results from a post mortem in Greenwich.

Police are not prepared to discuss in detail the injuries which had been inflicted on him.

But investigators have issued details of a search for drugs at the house on Ellison Road, carried out under a search warrant at the request of Mr Webb and his brothers and sisters.

DCI Brian Haynes, investigating the death, said: "Keith's family, together with officers from Lambeth, recently initiated eviction procedures against other tenants in the house and a drugs search warrant was executed there on 4th October 2002.

"The other occupants then left the house. The family had approached police for assistance with problems which had arisen in the house, which a joint approach by police and family helped Keith resolve."

"It is too early to say if that previous incident is linked in any way to this murder. Matters involving previous tenants will be one line of inquiry amongst many others."

He added: "It is important to stress that Keith was a man of good character, who worked at a local engineering company.

"He died in the family home, which was bought by his late mother and father, who were hard working first generation immigrants."

DCI Haynes added: "I would appeal for information relating to those recent occupants, or persons frequenting the premises since last October, or any other information. All calls will be treated in confidence."

Members of the public with information that may be of use to police should call 0208 247 8261.

January 28, 2003 10:30