Police Quiz Locals Over West Sussex Murder

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in West Sussex last week are questioning walkers and drivers in the area this morning (January 31st).

59-year-old Michael Griffiths was found dead in his house in Fernhurst near Petersfield on Thursday last week (January 24).

Police officers will be talking to anyone around Mr Griffiths's home in Old Glebe between 6.30am and 8am, the time when the fire that badly 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's body was found by firefighters who were called to the fire. A post mortem revealed that he had suffered serious injuries to his head and body, but it couldn't confirm that they were the cause of his death. Further tests are now being done.