Friday 26 October 2012

British oil executive gunned down in Brussels

Belgian authorities are investigating the murder of a British oil executive who was gunned down in Brussels earlier this month.

Police in Belgium are searching for a gunman and an accomplice after Nicholas Mockford, 60, who worked at US oil firm ExxonMobil's offices near the Belgian capital, was killed on October 14 when leaving an Italian restaurant with his wife.

British press today reported a family friend’s concern the shooting could have been an “assassination” although ExxonMobil has denied the murder was work-related.

A spokeswoman said the firm was “shocked by the tragic death of Nick Mockford”, adding: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues and we are supporting them as best we can at this very difficult time," reported a daily newspaper.

The news only emerged today after an apparent news blackout in Belgium.