Mystery of the Xmas murder

30 years to the day after 'friendly & gentle' police mechanic Alan Holmes was tortured in his flat by thieves and left tied up for 9 days to die, police maké fresh plea on...

- BY TOM PETTIFOR

A FRESH appeal for information on the torture and murder of a police mechanic attacked on Boxing Day 30 years ago has been launched.

Alan Holmes was tortured in his flat 30 years ago today by thieves who bound his hands and feet, then beat him until he revealed the PINs to his bank accounts.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Alan, 53, was found barely alive and tightly bound face-down on his bed in Camden, North London.

Detectives believe the horrific assault was carried out by two men on Boxing Day, 1995.

But Alan, who worked at Kentish Town police station, was not found until nine days later, when officers broke into his flat.

He died in hospital the following day despite doctors' best efforts.