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Family's grief at shooting death of 'devoted family man' Xhem Krasniqi from Strood as police hunt killer

Strood scaffolder Xhem Krasniqi was shot dead
Strood scaffolder Xhem Krasniqi was shot dead

The family of a father-of-two from Strood shot dead have paid tribute to the "devoted family man" as police name the man they think is his killer.

Scaffolder Xhem Krasniqi - who leaves behind a wife, four-year-old daughter and son of seven - was gunned down on Saturday night.

Police believe a dispute between two warring families could have led to his murder in Hove, East Sussex, and are continuing to hunt his killer.

Officers today revealed they believe he was murdered by 30-year-old Edmund Nela.

They said they are remaining open-minded about a motive for the shooting, in which Mr Krasniqi's brother and nephew were also targeted.

Officers are seeking Nela and his 34-year-old brother Albert and warned members of the public not to approach them.

A tribute released by Mr Krasniqi's family today said: "Xhem was a loving and devoted family man living a normal life in Kent.

"He worked very hard as a scaffolder and was a good provider for his wife and children.

"He loved his family and friends very much and was the type of man who would do anything for anyone.

"He was a father of a four-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy who miss their Daddy very much.

"His family and many friends are shocked and completely devastated by his death, for which there was no reason."

Hove murder suspects Albert and Edmund Nela
Hove murder suspects Albert and Edmund Nela

The Nela brothers are of dual-nationality - Albanian and British - and have lived in Brighton and Shoreham for several years. Neither of them have been seen since Saturday night.

DCI Jeff Riley, of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, revealed the names of the suspects this afternoon in a bid to find them.

He said police have searched homes in the city in the hunt for the pair.

Mr Riley said: "Neighbourhood policing officers are supporting this investigation carrying out house to house enquiries and visiting cafes frequented by the Albanian community, who have been very helpful.

"Over the coming days they will be visiting the area showing people pictures of Edmund and Albert in an effort to gain information about them and where they may be. I would urge people to talk to these officers if they have concerns.

"From the activity we have done so far we suspect that there may have left the area.

"This incident led to a man being shot dead. I want to warn the public not to approach either man, to think of their personal safety and contact police immediately, dialling 999, if they see them or know where they are."

Police at the spot where Xhem Krasniqi was shot in Hove. Picture: The Argus
Police at the spot where Xhem Krasniqi was shot in Hove. Picture: The Argus

Albanian national Mr Krasniqi was in Brighton with his wife and two young children visiting family on Saturday before trouble broke out later that evening.

He and his brother and nephew were walking towards the offender in Church Road, Hove, when shots were fired at the three men at about 11.30pm.

Mr Krasniqi was taken to hospital after the shooting, but later died. A post mortem revealed he was shot once in the abdomen.

The two men with Mr Krasniqi were uninjured, but police are treating their shootings as attempted murder.

Police talk to neighbours in the street where Xhem Krasniqi was shot dead in Hove. Picture: Terry Applin/The Argus
Police talk to neighbours in the street where Xhem Krasniqi was shot dead in Hove. Picture: Terry Applin/The Argus
Anyone who sees Edmund or Albert is urged to phone police on 999 or if they know where they might be to phone 101, quoting Operation Welbeck, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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