A FORMER colleague of an Ipswich man killed in a knife attack today spoke of his shock.Chris Gowling, from the Pinewood estate, worked as a security guard with 36-year-old Derek Henderson-Chittock for six months during 2003 at Ipswich's Debenhams store.

A FORMER colleague of an Ipswich man killed in a knife attack today spoke of his shock.

Chris Gowling, from the Pinewood estate, worked as a security guard with 36-year-old Derek Henderson-Chittock for six months during 2003 at Ipswich's Debenhams store.

Mr Henderson-Chittock, known to his friends as Del-boy was found dead with stab wounds at a house in Salisbury Road early on Wednesday morning.

His former girlfriend Rachel Allard, 26, and John McCullum, 25, both of Sailsbury Road, appeared before magistrates on Saturday charged with his murder.

Mr Gowling, now a security guard at Tower Ramparts shopping centre, said the pair had worked together when the centre had a big refurbishment.

He said: "He didn't have anything. On our very first day together I gave him my packed lunch because he didn't have any food and we were friends after that. I even took him home and fed him.

"Then one day he was having a row with someone on the phone. He walked out of the shop and came back three weeks later asking for his job back. He didn't get it though."

Neighbours said Mr Henderson-Chittock suffered with an alcohol problem.

He had lived alone at a flat in St Edmundsbury House, Springhurst Close, for at least five years.

Mr Gowling said: "He didn't mind opening up about his problems. He used to talk to me quite a lot about what he was going through.

"He was a bit of a loner and had anger and alcohol problems but he was alright.

"He was an unusual and funny character, but he got on well with most people.

"We haven't spoken to each other for a year and a half but I'm still really shocked that he's dead.

"Whoever they charge, it's not going to bring Del Boy back is it?"

Did you know Mr Henderson-Chittock? Contact The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788.