Hoogstraten could face civil action

The family of a man murdered by notorious landlord Nicholas van Hoogstraten's "enforcers" is planning a private prosecution in an attempt to put him back behind bars.

Mr Van Hoogstraten, 58, who was jailed for 10 years for manslaughter, was formally cleared yesterday after his conviction was quashed.

His former business associate Mohammed Raja, 62, was killed by professional criminals hired by Mr Van Hoogstraten. He claimed the men were meant to frighten Mr Raja and he could not have known that they would kill him. They stabbed and shot Mr Raja when he opened the door of his home in Sutton in July 1999.

Mr Raja's son, Amjad, has held discussions-with his legal team over the possibility of trying to prove in a civil action that Mr Van Hoogstraten bore a measure of responsibility for Mr Raja's death.

Amjad Raja said: "We have already had some talks about a private prosecution, but it is a very complex matter and a lot needs to be done. We have to be very focused."

Mr Van Hoogstraten has said he plans take revenge on the police and prosecution service over his conviction.