Police chief appeals over fire death

Mr Trotter was burned to death on his way home

A Hertfordshire police chief is asking people to help bring to justice the youths who murdered a factory worker by setting him alight.

Father-of-one Wayne Trotter, 30, of Borehamwood, was set upon by a gang of youths, doused in petrol and set alight early on 5 December.

The attack happened as he made his way home through the Farriers Estate after working a late shift at a North London plastics factory.

Mr Trotter, whose wife Anne is six months pregnant with their second child, died later that day in hospital. He leaves a three-year-old son.

Community shocked

On Wednesday Chief Superintendent Alison Roome-Gifford, the area commander for Borehamwood, appealed for help.

"People in the community of all ages have been shocked by what has happened," she said.

"There is a genuine fear now among the residents living in the estate especially as the attack still appears to be completely motiveless.

"That fear will only reduce if residents work with the police to find whoever was responsible, and contact them to share information."

Hardest thing

Police believe three or four youths were present at the time of the attack.

"If you suspect your son, daughter or friend was responsible or was involved in any way, I can imagine contacting police will be the hardest thing you have ever had to do," Chief Superintendent Room-Gifford said.

"But you must. A young son and an unborn baby have lost their daddy - come forward for them."

Mr Trotter was described as a devoted family man with no known enemies who was "in the wrong place at the wrong time".