Pictured: Chef, 36, who was murdered in Edinburgh street after confronting joyriders who hit his parked car while he slept inside Lionel Simenya from Burundi was a 'hard-working man' and 'award-winning chef' A stolen Peugeot car was abandoned nearby and is being examined by forensics Police have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnessesBy Jack Newman and Terri-ann Williams For Mailonline and Press Association Published: 07:37 GMT, 9 March 2019 | Updated: 23:33 GMT, 9 March 2019 759 shares 53 Viewcomments Lionel Simenya, 36, has been killed after an altercation with joyriders in Edinburgh A chef has been killed after he confronted joyriders for crashing into his parked car while he was sleeping in it. Lionel Simenya, 36, had parked up in a car park by Ford's Road in Edinburgh when his vehicle was hit by a stolen car. Sources said the man got out of his car during a confrontation and was then attacked. Lionel, originally from Burundi in Africa, was found at 3.50am on Thursday and police have launched a murder investigation. A Peugeot car that was stolen nearby then abandoned is being examined by forensic officers. A high police presence remains in the area and in a statement police said: 'The victim was said to be sleeping in his car when the joyriders hit it. Police officers on the scene in Edinburgh following the death of a man who had confronted joyriders Forensic officers on the scene at Ford's Road in Edinburgh after a car was found abandoned nearby Detectives are looking to speak to anyone who was in the Stenhouse area in the early hours of Thursday March 7. They are also looking to speak to anyone who has dashcam footage or saw vehicles being driven erratically. Detective Inspector Stuart Alexander said: 'Lionel Simenya moved to the UK a number of years ago. He was a highly thought of, hard-working man who kept himself to himself and has met a tragic death. 'I am confident the answer to solving this horrific crime lies in the communities of Edinburgh and no matter how insignificant you think any information is, please contact us and let us assess it. 'This must be playing on the consciences of the individuals responsible and I would urge those people to come forward.' Lionel's family said in a statement: 'We are profoundly shocked and extremely saddened that our beloved Lionel has been taken from us in such a cruel manner. A location map showing the road and the car park where the incident is alleged to have taken place 'Lionel was a hard-working and dedicated chef, who had won an award for his skills. 'We would ask anyone who can help police with their investigation to get in touch and provide any information that can bring those involved in his death to justice. 'Anyone who was involved should search their conscience and realise that our family have been left devastated by their actions. Hopefully then they will do the right thing.' Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility