TRIBUTES have been paid to a “kind and happy” man who was murdered in his flat.

Emergency services were called to Finch Close, Barnet shortly before 6am on Monday morning (October 12) to reports of a fire in a ground floor flat.

Firefighters found David McKenna, 55, trapped inside and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.51am.

A postmortem later found he had died of head injuries. A murder investigation is currently under way.

Neighbours said Mr McKenna, who had lived in the area for about ten years, used a wheelchair and had carers regularly visit his home.

Stuart Shelbourne, 48, said: “He was a nice bloke. He always had a laugh, he got on very well with everyone living here. He was as happy as Larry.

“He was a nice old boy, he was kind. The carers loved him, because he was straight and honest, and he used to crack them up. That was just the way he was, it was just Dave.

“We were close. I went over nearly every day to see him, and fix anything. I was in the process of helping him do his gardening. I last saw him on Sunday evening.”

Mr Shelbourne, who has lived in Finch Close for more than 20 years, added: “On Monday morning I got woken up by the noise. I pulled the curtains back and saw the blue lights flashing, and found out his flat was up in smoke. It was a shock to the system.

“We are a close community, all the neighbours get on very well. We all know each other, and help each other out. That is what neighbours are, you help each. This is a proper neighbourhood.

“I cannot believe it. I am completely gobsmacked. I was the person who probably saw him last.”

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: “He was nice. He was a quiet man, he never caused any trouble. Everyone is very upset. My next door neighbour helps him and she was really shocked.”

Gerald Francis, 57, a truck driver, said: “I was away at work and I heard it on the radio driving home. I was shocked, this is my neighbourhood, and this is my home.”

No arrests have been made and police inquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "I would like to speak with anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Finch Close or near to the flats on Sunday night or Monday morning.

"We retain an open mind as to the possible motive for the murder."

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.