FERNHURST MURDER: Police to be questioning walkers and drivers

Police officers will tomorrow and Thursday be talking to anyone around 59-year-old Michael Griffiths’ home in Old Glebe between 6.30am and 8pm last Thursday (January 24), the time when the fire that seriously damaged the house, in which his body was found, is thought to have broken out.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “We are hoping that by talking to people who regular use the roads and footpaths around Michael’s house, we might nudge someone’s memory about something that just wasn’t quite normal or usual. That might be someone they didn’t recognise, an unfamiliar car parked nearby or just an item or event that may now seem suspicious.

“No matter how insignificant you may think it is, if you have any information we’d like to hear from you.

You can speak to officers in the area or call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Killick. If you would prefer not to talk to us directly, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Mr Griffiths’ body was discovered by firefighters who attended the blaze. A post mortem revealed that he had suffered serious injuries to his head and body, but it has not been possible to confirm that they were the cause of his death.

Further tests are now being carried out.