Kenya
Two arrested over tourist deaths in Kenya
Two people have been arrested in Kenya over the death of a married British couple killed on holiday.
Norman Joel, 70, and his wife Rita, 67, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, died after they were attacked during an attempted robbery, according to reports.
The couple had been enjoying a break at the coastal city of Mombasa in the east of the country.
A police investigation was launched following the deaths. A source close to the case said two people had been arrested as a result.
Jon Casey, a friend and neighbour of the Joels, described them as a "lovely couple".
Mr Casey said the couple had been regular visitors to Mombasa and were in the process of buying a property there as a base for future visits. He said Mr Joel, known to friends as Tony, had been robbed in Mombasa during a visit last year.
He said: "It's just shocking to hear what's happened to them, it's really upsetting. I've known them for four years, they are a lovely, generous couple, Tony is a really nice chap and Rita is an absolute diamond."
The Joels had been married for 20 years. Mrs Joel had a son, Richard, from a previous marriage, Mr Casey said.
The deaths were reported to the High Commission on October 15.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the reported deaths of two British nationals in Mombasa, Kenya. We are in contact with the family and will be keeping them updated on information we receive from the Kenyan authorities."
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