Detectives hunting the killers of a Westcliff pensioner have revealed that he was robbed while he lay dying in a Southend car park.

Former bus driver Ronald Dennis, 67, was found dead by his car in Nelson Road, near Clifftown Road, Southend.

A post-mortem examination revealed the pensioner had a history of heart problems but also suffered injuries to his face and hands. Police have yet to reveal the cause of death.

Now police are interested in tracing items stolen from Mr Dennis during the attack.

These include a wallet, personal documents, an Ericsson mobile phone and two sports holdalls - one of them a black Head bag.

Det Inspector Brian Elkington, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This was a very undignified, tragic and lonely death. We need to catch those responsible."

He added that police also needed to talk to witnesses who saw a white man, in his mid 20s, selling cigarettes in nearby Clarence Road and the High Street on Friday evening.

A man was arrested and quizzed by detectives on suspicion of murder and robbery but was released on police bail until November 29 pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information can contact Southend CID on 01702 4431212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

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