A retired British couple have been murdered in Kenya by robbers who broke into their holiday home.

Tony Joel, 70, was stabbed 17 times and sustained severe head wounds. His wife, Rita, 67, was stabbed 11 times. Police believe that they may have been tortured for information about their valuables.

The couple, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, were attacked on October 15, soon after arriving at their home in a village close to Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coast. Their bodies were discovered the following day.

Jon Casey, 28, who lived next door to the couple in Essex, said that they loved Africa and had been visiting the same spot for about 20 years.

“They were not a well-off couple,” he said, “but in Kenya theirs was the only house \ with electricity.

“They helped fund a well in the village. They were Westerners, so I suppose they were a target.”

Mr Casey said the couple’s house had also been raided when they visited Kenya last year. “I don’t know why someone would have to be so violent,” he said. “They were a friendly, outgoing, kind couple, no threat to anyone. If you needed anything they would give it to you. Tony did some volunteer work locally.”

Mrs Joel had a son, Richard Bryant, who lives in Basildon, Essex. He was too upset to comment last night.

Mr Joel’s brother, Jack, said: “All they wanted to do was enjoy the sunshine, lie on the beach and soak up the local culture. We are all absolutely shocked and so upset.”

He described the couple as seasoned travellers.

Kenyan police have arrested two men over the murders, one of whom was allegedly had jewellery belonging to Mrs Joel in his possession.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice for Kenya states: “Muggings and armed attacks by gangs can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa.

“Avoid walking around after dark as attacks can occur anywhere, but especially in isolated areas such as empty beaches.”

Times Recommends

• UN may halt 400-year-old 'freedom of the seas'
• Where the Rosetta belongs can’t be set in stone
• Gas deal on hold, but Ukraine may pay in the end