Man who tried chemical attack on drug user beaten to death with hammer in Brentwood

Man Beaten to Death with Hammer After Attempted Chemical Attack

A 63-year-old man, Francis Reilly, was beaten to death with a hammer by his attempted target, 39-year-old John Moore, in Brentwood.

Reilly had visited Moore's flat to collect a debt, as Moore had regularly borrowed money to fuel his drug habit and owed Reilly money.

According to Essex Police, a fight broke out in the flat, during which Reilly attempted to spray Moore with ammonia from a small bottle.

However, Moore overpowered Reilly and armed himself with a hammer, repeatedly striking Reilly and throwing him against a wall.

Reilly managed to flee the flat, but Moore continued his attack outside, in view of a taxi driver, who flagged down two passing police officers.

The taxi driver reported seeing a man striking another repeatedly with a hammer as the victim pleaded with his attacker.

Author's summary: Man beaten to death with hammer after attempted chemical attack.

Romford Recorder — 2025-10-13