Petrol link in murder inquiry

Detectives investigating the murder of a pensioner whose body was found after a house fire are appealing for anyone who recently had petrol stolen to come forward.

They believe that was what was used to start the blaze in Lowfield Road, Caversham.

The finding is the result of ongoing forensic and scenes-of-crime investigations taking place at the scene of the murder.

The body of the victim, believed to be a 69-year-old man, has still not been formally identified since its discovery on Sunday night.

'Horrific murder'

Police are now appealing for people who may have had petrol stolen from their cars or garages over the weekend to come forward.

They also want to trace any petrol station workers and cashiers who may have sold petrol or a petrol container to anyone over the weekend.

Inquiry teams working on the murder are visiting all petrol stations in the Reading area and collecting CCTV film footage.

Detectives and uniform officers are also continuing house-to-house inquiries and police search teams are scouring the local area for evidence.

'Open mind'

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Taylor, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are still keeping an open mind on the motives for this horrific murder.

"However, tests have shown petrol was used in the fire.

"As a result of this latest development, we're appealing for people, especially petrol shop workers, to think back to the weekend and try to remember if they have information which may help us in our inquiries.

"We also continue to appeal for anyone with information relating to this tragic crime to come forward."