When two men knocked on the door of 45-year-old Tomasz Samel there was little to indicate the terrible hours ahead.
The men at the door of his home in Handsworth, Birmingham, had been captured on CCTV at a service station buying fluorescent, high-vis, tabards to make themselves look like they were on official business. Polish national Mr Samel, who had been living in the UK for several years, appears to have fallen for the ruse and allowed himself to be escorted to a white Peugeot Boxer van.
That morning, on March 27, 2019, was the last Mr Samel would spend out of hospital until his death on June 21. The exact mechanics of what happened next have not been made clear, and how much detectives were able to glean from Mr Samel in his final days has understandably remained confidential.
READ MORE: Violence, racism and fear in 'lawless' area of north Liverpool
But what is known is that he was driven 97 miles away to an isolated spot near Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, and subjected to horrific violence. From his abduction at around 8.45am, it was not until 10.45pm that the grievously injured victim was able to bang on the door of a house and beg for help.
He was rushed for emergency treatment and transferred to a specialist burns unit in Whiston Hospital. Doctors established he had suffered 75% burns to his body.
Death did not follow immediately, and Mr Samel was able to speak to officers from West Midlands Police, the force confirmed. But three months after that horrendous day, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into his death has not been straightforward. Despite the fact that relatively clear CCTV images of two suspects were quickly obtained, and a number of arrests made, no charges have been brought in the three years since.
Detectives were also keen to trace the white van, which was displaying the registration OY55 MVT. It had previously been seen in Bristol and the Banbury area of Oxfordshire.
Significant developments have followed, including a wanted appeal for a man called Kevin Wooden which was made public on the first anniversary of Mr Samel's death. But Wooden is still at large.
On Thursday last week, another potential break in the case was announced. West Midlands Police announced that a man arrested by police in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki in connection with a major cocaine trafficking ring is a suspect in their case.
The 44-year-old, from Merseyside, remains in Greek custody awaiting trial for drugs trafficking and weapons offences, and it may be some time before any extradition proceedings bear fruit.
At the time of Mr Samel's death, Detective Chief Inspector Anastasia Miller, leading the investigation, said: "This was a shocking attack and certainly one of the most horrific in my professional experience.
“As we approach the anniversary of Mr Samel’s kidnap, we have released an image of Kevin Wooden who we urgently want to speak to. We have reason to believe Wooden is currently out of the country and we are urgently appealing for anyone who has any information to contact us.
"Tomasz had been tortured and had received 75 per cent burns to his body. Despite being very ill he was able to knock on a door and seek help.
"We had spoken to Tomasz while he was in hospital but he was very unwell. We can't disclose what was said before he died. We’ve been working hard to understand exactly what happened on that day and why.
“We’re keeping an open mind about the motive, and have been carrying out extensive enquiries since March. What we do know is that the van that used to abduct Tomasz had been at Hopwood Park Services in Bromsgrove earlier that day.
"CCTV shows the suspects buying a fluorescent tabard which we believe was then used to give the illusion that they were at his home on legitimate business.
“We believe the answer to this lies with the people in these images and I'd urge people to study these images very closely."
Crimestoppers launched a £10,000 appeal for information in 2020. Gary Murray, regional manager at the charity, said at the time: "This is a shocking and horrendous crime and we are appealing to anybody with any information to speak to our charity 100% anonymously. What you know could make all of the difference to help get justice for Tomasz who suffered for months before eventually dying from his severe injuries."
Anyone with information can give it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its untraceable anonymous online form.
READ NEXT:
Dog dies after being stung by 'Britain's most dangerous plant' on walk
Daughter told she owes £1,600 after mum's death due to council blunder
'Heartless' thief stole from elderly women as they shopped at Aldi
Liverpool FC fan attacked with 'hammers' in front of son after Paris final
