Police probe concrete mixer death

11 August 2006

Part of the industrial estate at Denises Lane where Lee was found crushed in the mixer

THE mysterious death of an Elm Park man - found dead in a concrete mixer - is to be reinvestigated after four years of torture for his family.

Lee Balkwell's father, Les, has always insisted his son was murdered, and has finally received his wish for another probe into the bizarre incident.

Lee, 33, of Jersey Road, Elm Park, was killed at Upminster Concrete, in Baldwins Farm, Dennises Lane, Upminster. He was found crushed in the mechanisms of a mixing lorry at about 1.30am on July 18, 2002. He had only recently become a father to son Henry, who is now four.

Tuesday's news that aspects of the investigation are being looked at again has given Les, 59, a boost following his tireless efforts sending letters and arranging meetings with police and Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire, who took up his plight last year.

Les said: "Senior officers have agreed to investigate Lee's death further.

Read the full story in this week's Recorder.