POLICE are seeking fresh information on the killing of a builder in Leyton after seven men were cleared of murder a fortnight ago.

Adeel Akabar, 24, was stabbed and beaten by a gang of up to nine armed men after they broke into a house he was helping to refurbish in Essex Road, the Old Bailey heard.

After deliberating for over two days, the jury cleared alleged gang leader Attique Sami, 34, of murder and manslaughter.

Co-defendants Razwon Aziz, Billal Kayani, Yasir Mushtaq, Tariq Rafiq, Saqib Khan and Amar Hussain were cleared of the same charges after a trial lasting 11 weeks.

Police said they had worked hard to bring the murder case against the seven men at the Old Bailey, but accepted the jury's decision.

DCI Terry Geraghty, of the specialist crime directorate, said the murder of Adeel Akabar had a devastating effect on his family and called on anyone with further information to come forward.

He said: "The murder of Mr Akabar was both brutal and shocking. It has had a devastating effect on his family and our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this difficult time.

"Mr Akabar was a loving husband, son and brother and was clearly well respected within his local community.

"Officers worked tirelessly to bring this case to court. We accept the jury's decision. The Met is committed to dealing robustly with crimes of this nature and should any further information or evidence come to light it will be pursued vigorously."

The court heard how Mr Akabar, of East Ham, told the gang, "I'm just a builder" but he was stabbed with a sword and battered with metal baseball bats in the hallway.

He died the same day, October 7 last year, after a massive heart attack. He had several skull fractures, two large gashes to his back and a ruptured spleen which caused massive internal bleeding.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 8345 3865 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.