Thai masseur found murdered

13 April 2012

A murder investigation has been launched after a gay Thai masseur was found strangled and stabbed in a flat.

The landlord discovered the body of 32-year-old Niphan Trikhana in the block of flats in upmarket Cranley Place, Chelsea, where he lived.

Bangkok-born Mr Trikhana had a ligature around his neck and stab wounds, said Scotland Yard.

Police said they were "keeping an open mind" about the motive for the killing.

The victim had not yet been formally identified but officers were satisfied he is Mr Trikhana, who was known locally as Nikki.

Mr Trikhana was a Thai national who came to the UK in 2001. He was a student at Lilian Bishop School of English in Harrington Road, south-west London, and also worked as a Thai masseur.

Detective Inspector Bill Jephson, of the Special Crime Directorate West which is investigating, said: "We are keen to hear from any friends, or anyone who knew Nikki, either as a student or as a masseur, to contact police.

"Anyone who may have seen him prior to his death is asked to contact police as we wish to establish his movements leading up to his murder.

"We would like to reassure anybody thinking of calling us that all calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Mr Trikhana's next of kin, who lives abroad, were informed of the death after the discovery of the body on Friday afternoon.

Anyone with information can telephone the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Anybody who would feel more comfortable speaking to a gay police officer can make a request via the incident room.

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