New Name In The Frame For Worcester Murder Investigation

Several new lines of inquiry have been uncovered in the investigation into the death of Andrew Heath in Worcester after it was featured on the BBC TV programme Crimewatch yesterday.

They include the name of someone mentioned in a number of calls received in Andrew Heaththe Crimewatch studio and via the charity Crimestoppers.

52-year-old Andrew Heath died in a fire at his flat in Chedworth Close, Warndon, at around 4am on Wednesday 14 December. West Mercia Police is offering a reward of £10,000 for information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death.

As part of the ongoing investigation and appeals for public help, his death was featured in a Crimewatch reconstruction last night, which included interviews with Andrew Heath's family and friends.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson, who is leading the operation, was interviewed in the studio by presenter Kirsty Young and he revealed a number of lines of inquiry that have not previously been released to the public.

He said today: "I want to thank those members of the public who have called in and passed on information, some of which is very interesting to us and we will be looking into it straightaway.

"One name in particular has been received from a number of different sources and they will be a focus of inquires in the coming days to see what part, if any, they will play in our investigation.

"I would like to repeat my appeal for anyone who has any knowledge of Andrew Heath or how he died to come forward and call West Mercia Police on 101; bear in mind that there is a reward of £10,000 for information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death."

The leads revealed by DCI Williamson on Crimewatch were:

• Detectives believe the fire was started in a wheelie bin that had been pushed into Andrew Heath's porch, up against the front door and set alight.

DCI Williamson said: "Someone may have deliberately set out to kill Andrew or it may have been to scare and upset him.

"From the positioning of the bin in his porch blocking his exit after he returned home it's clear that this has the hallmarks of a personal attack on him.

"Whoever set the fire must have known the devastating consequences their actions would have. I need to know why this happened to Andrew and get answers for Andrew's family and friends."

• The investigation team is also looking into the possibility that it could have been started by someone who owed him money. Andrew lent out money to people and there may have been tension with someone who owed him money.
• A group of people were seen hanging around outside Andrew's house in the early hours before the fire and raised voices heard. We need to know why they were there.
• Two people seen in the area at the time of the fire need to be traced: a man walking a small black dog in the area at about 3:30am and someone on a bike who cycled past not long before the fire was reported. They could be crucial witnesses and are urged to come forward.

Issued: Friday 27 January 2012