A group of masked men forced a radio DJ into their van, beat him to death, stipped his body naked and then dumped him in the woods, a court heard.

Koray Alpergin’s body was found in Loughton, Essex, on October 15. Ali Kavak, 25, Erdogan Ulcay, 55, and another male aged 17, have since been arrested and charged for the kidnap and murder of the 43-year-old.

Today, the Old Bailey heard how the owner of Turkish station Bizim FM was walking with 33-year-old Gozde Dalbudak – believed to be his girlfriend visiting from Istanbul – on October 13.

Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn said: ‘They were attacked by individuals wearing white masks and bundled into a van and taken to a location and held there against their will.

‘Mr Alpergin was badly beaten and murdered. Two days later, Mr Alpergin’s body was found by members of the public.

‘The body was naked and had sustained burns, bruises and cuts. A preliminary report concluded strangulation, blunt forced trauma and damage to the internal organs and ribs.’

Ms Dalbudak, 33, was later found physically unharmed but Ulcay and the 17-year-old were also charged with her kidnapping.

All three defendants were remanded in custody until their next plea and trial preparation hearing on January 6.

A provisional trial has been set for September 18 next year.

Tributes have poured in for the London DJ who had connections with the likes of rapper P Diddy and internet sensation Salt Bae.

A fundraising page, launched by Mr Alpergin’s family and friends, reads: ‘Koray was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. A much-loved member of his family, a special friend to all and a huge member of the community with the biggest heart.

‘Koray always thought of everyone, he was kind and caring and always supported those around him. He was such a light in the community, loved by his family, treasured by his friends and he lived his life to the fullest.’

Ozder Erduran, who went to secondary school with Koray, said: ‘You were a bright character always smiling who was loved by so many and got on with everyone. You will be missed dearly bro. Until we meet again in the next life.’

Matt Dede wrote: ‘You lived life how it was meant to be lived. Smiles, love, laughter and fun. And that’s how I’ll always remember you.’

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