Tributes to Sheringham man John Middleton murdered in Kenya

John Middleton, 75, was found dead in a bathtub in his home in Mombasa on Saturday.

John Middleton (Image: Facebook) Mr Middleton had moved from Sheringham to Kenya in 2014. 

He was well known in Norfolk as a referee on a grassroots level.

The lifelong Arsenal fan had officiated 857 games, been a referee at 668 and handed out 622 yellow cards and 127 red cards.

John Middleton had been a Norfolk County FA referee for 15 years before moving to Kenya (Image: Archant © 2014)READ MORE: Sheringham man John Middleton hacked to death in Kenya

Norfolk FA said: "Norfolk FA is saddened to hear of the death of former grassroots referee, John Middleton.

"John officiated for many years in the county and was a committed and well-liked match official. The thoughts of all at Norfolk FA are with John’s family and friends at this sad time."

It is reported that Mr Middleton was killed after attempting to give away 'all his property' to a local lawyer he had befriended - telling her that he had no family.

However the barrister had told him to give the money to charity instead.

A Foreign Office spokesman added: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Kenya and are in contact with the local authorities."

John Middleton (Image: Facebook) Kelvin Gitau, John's stepson from his second marriage, paid tribute to Mr Middleton on a social media. 

His post said: "Words can't even explain my emotions right now.

"Before he emigrated to Kenya, he was a well-known member of the North Norfolk community. But more importantly, he's been an incredible father to me since I was three years old.

"My heart is truly broken beyond belief at how cruelly John has been taken from our lives and I'm still trying to process it all.

"John was a larger-than-life character, loved by his family, friends and will truly be missed by all who knew him."

Fellow expat in Kenya and close friend John Smith, 77, said: "John was an extrovert."

John Middleton (Image: Facebook) David Wright, a fellow Norfolk Referee, said: "we met there was always friendly banter.

"He was active around North Norfolk during his many years as a referee and I missed him when he decided to move to Kenya.

"A good man who will be sadly missed."