British barman shot dead in Washington

A BRITISH-BORN bartender has been shot and killed in a suspected mugging in Washington DC. Adam Fox, 28, was shot in the stomach after leaving a bar in the north-west of the city to catch a taxi.

His body lay in a mortuary for three days after being found by police in the United States capital before he was identified by friends who became concerned when he failed to turn up for work.

One friend, Doug Plain, told the Washington Times on Monday: 'It appears he was robbed and chased after the guy.' Mr Plain said he had heard two shots shortly after Mr Fox left Stetson's bar early last Tuesday. Mr Fox's wallet and black leather jacket were missing when his body was found. The 6ft 4in bartender, who worked at Perry's Restaurant, also in the north-west of the city, left Britain in 1987. His mother is thought to live in Edgware, north London.

Kyri Christodoulou, another friend, said of Mr Fox: 'We all lost part of ourselves when we lost him. He'd put you before himself, no matter what kind of mood he was in.'

A spokesman for Washington police confirmed that a murder inquiry had been launched, but could not comment on the theory that Mr Fox was shot by a mugger.