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Family's shock as torso found
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| John Finney: Attack witnesses sought. |
THE family and friends of an abducted traveller, whose decapitated body was discovered over the weekend, have spoken of their utter grief and shock.
The headless and handless body of John Finney was found on Friday, March 14, in Ickleford near Hitchin - more than two weeks after he went missing from his home in Northaw, near Brookmans Park.
Following the 42-year-old's disappearance on February 29, his Mitsubishi Pajero was found abandoned in Park Farm, Northaw Road West, where it is believed the dad-of-four was wrenched from his car.
The gruesome discovery of his mangled corpse was made by a member of the public shortly after 4.40pm on Friday evening dumped near a garage block - nearly 30 miles from where he vanished.
His family and friends remain in a state of disbelief and are still trying to come to terms with the news of his harrowing death.
His sister-in-law Leah said: "I haven't taken in what has happened yet - it doesn't seem real to me.
"It's so hard to watch his kids that are missing him so much, we don't know who took him away or why, but God will bring them to justice.
"They have taken away my sister's husband and her children's dad - if only they could see the damage they have done."
His friend LisaMarie added: "John Finney is one of the greatest people I know.
"Some people will never forget him. He will always be loved and what has happened has gutted all who knew him.
"He was one of a kind - a man who loved and adored all his family.
"Nobody understands why something like this would happen to him."
Although formal identification of the body is still to take place, detectives were able to confirm it was the traveller by his distinctive tattoos.
A post mortem examination was carried out on Sunday, but the cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
A murder investigation is underway and detectives from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit have carried out extensive searches of both crime scenes along with house-to-house inquiries.
Forensic experts continue to inspect Mr Finney's former home and the site where his body was dumped for traces of evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Bill Jephson, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a targeted attack. While investigations to trace those responsible are well underway I would urge witnesses to come forward.
"If you have any information about John's disappearance I would ask you to contact the police.
"This is a very traumatic time for John's family and our thoughts are with them."
Anyone with information should contact police on 01707 355666.
7:31am Thursday 20th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: lisamarie, slough on 10:52am Sun 23 Mar 08
everyone is missing john so much everybody in our family is devastated i cannot explain the greif that has impacted on our family this man would do anything for any one i cant beleive he has been taken from us in such a way john was my brother in law and my sister is living for the day she is reunited with him again thats how it has left his family johns children should not be with out thier dad he should be here with us i hope justice preveils love you always lisamarie and the boys x
everyone is missing john so much everybody in our family is devastated i cannot explain the greif that has impacted on our family this man would do anything for any one i cant beleive he has been taken from us in such a way john was my brother in law and my sister is living for the day she is reunited with him again thats how it has left his family johns children should not be with out thier dad he should be here with us i hope justice preveils love you always lisamarie and the boys x
Posted by: ?????, leeds on 3:39pm Mon 24 Mar 08
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Posted by: caroline goodwin, new denham on 12:20pm Tue 25 Mar 08
the cruelty of johns murder has deprived linda and his family of the most important part of grieving and that is to say goodbye. to face the truth of what happened to a loved one is hard at the best of times but how can they be expected to recover from this.i used to bump into john and linda occasionally in asda or they would pull up outside my house and chat but that is just the thing it was john and linda not one or the other but together i dont think i will see linda like that again as things have change for good they cant be changed back there gone.we hope god gives u all the inner strength to heal, we love you linda, stay strong
the cruelty of johns murder has deprived linda and his family of the most important part of grieving and that is to say goodbye. to face the truth of what happened to a loved one is hard at the best of times but how can they be expected to recover from this.i used to bump into john and linda occasionally in asda or they would pull up outside my house and chat but that is just the thing it was john and linda not one or the other but together i dont think i will see linda like that again as things have change for good they cant be changed back there gone.we hope god gives u all the inner strength to heal, we love you linda, stay strong
Posted by: Sarah cooper, salisbury on 8:59pm Wed 26 Mar 08
god bless you john, a true friend and a good man. All our love and prayers are with you all, Gary and Sarah Cooper ****
god bless you john, a true friend and a good man. All our love and prayers are with you all, Gary and Sarah Cooper ****
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