A man murdered in his Wimbledon home had a double identity, it was revealed this week.

Few people knew that Salvation Army Volunteer Michael Grogan, 72, of Florence Road, was a former showbiz manager and counted celebrity musicians and comedians among his closest friends.

Stage-named Mike Regan, the popular comedian and celebrity confidante was found after an assault in his flat and is believed to have died between July 14 and 16.

Police this week opened a murder inquiry in an appeal for witnesses and people who knew him.

Tributes have been flooding in for Mike Regan from Sir Cliff Richard and comedians Jimmy Tarbuck and Jimmy Cricket.

He had worked at EMI Records and for years as pianist Russ Conway's manager. Mr Conway said: "Mike was one of a kind and I will miss him indeed. He was a good man, a gentle man, a one off."

Jimmy Tarbuck added: "When I think of Mike Regan, laughter springs to mind. He had an impish wit and would always make me giggle with his asides."

Nephew Phil Jones, who lived with his uncle for two years, said: "Not many of Mike's colleagues at the Balham Salvation Army store would know of his connections with the show business world.

"He was described by one colleague as 'an angel in our midst' which I think sums him up well. He was a very caring, kind person - his death is a great shock to us."

And neighbour Major Woodhams said: "He was a very generous man who remembered my birthday and was concerned after I had a fall. We were shocked to hear of his sudden death." Two post mortems at St George's Hospital have failed to establish the cause of death and an inquest has been adjourned until August 24.

The funeral service will be held at Balham Salvation Army headquarters on September 11.

Two men in their early 20s were arrested in connection with the death on Wednesday morning. They are in custody at Wimbledon police station and are helping police with the investigation. Anyone with information should contact DS Bob Randall on 0181 247 8725.

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