Koray Alpergin
(Picture: Family issued)The family of a popular radio DJ found murdered in Essex woodland have paid tribute to a “beautiful soul”.
Koray Alpergin, 43, owner of Turkish station Bizim FM, was abducted from an address in Ebony Crescent, Enfield alongside a woman in her 30s.
A key line of enquiry is that they were “taken against their will in a vehicle” just before 2pm on Friday, Scotland Yard said. The female, reportedly his girlfriend, was located physically unharmed.
Essex Police were alerted to Mr Alpergin’s body near the Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate in Loughton about 11.55am on Saturday.
Three men arrested in the Kent area on suspicion of murder remain in police custody.
A post-mortem will take place in due course.
Relatives and friends mourning Mr Alpergin said they are engulfed by “impossible pain and sadness”.
Sul Tan wrote on Facebook: “RIP brother. No words can describe our loss. Such a beautiful soul.
“For whatever reason, no one has the right to take another’s life.
“You’ve always been there for me and so many people. Such a bubbly, friendly soul who didn’t deserves this. We need justice. You will always be in our hearts.”
Besime Ahmet added on social media: “My condolences to all his family and friends. It was a pity. How it happened at such a young age is still unknown.”
Another friend said: “I wish condolences and patience to all those who love him, especially his family. May Allah have mercy upon them. Amen.”
Police have cordoned off a car park next to a children’s playground in Ebony Crescent, a private housing estate.
Neighbours expressed their shock at Mr Alpergin’s kidnap and murder.
One said: “His poor girlfriend must have been terrified.”
Another said: “People come and go but it has always felt secure.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran said her team is “working 24/7 to establish exactly what has happened”.
She added: “This is a very complex and fast-moving investigation involving multiple units across the Met, as well as invaluable support from our colleagues in Essex Police.
“While the investigation remains at an early stage, a key line of enquiry is that the man and woman were taken against their will in a vehicle.
“I need anyone who was in the Ebony Crescent area on the night and may have witnessed something suspicious, to contact police immediately. I urge people to check doorbell camera or dash cam footage – you may have captured something that could prove crucial to our investigation.”
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “The Met Police will now take the lead on this investigation but we will continue to support them.
“Road closures will remain in the area while investigations at the scene continue.”
The Turkish Police Association said it was supporting the murder investigation and urged the community to come forward with any information.
