Fire victim was like a brother to us

Buy photos » Sue and Clive Dayus have been left devastated by the death of neighbour Andrew Heath. Picture by Nick Hands 5211003NHR20.

THE NEIGHBOURS of a man killed in an arson attack have described his death as like losing a brother.

Sue and Clive Dayus have been left devastated by the death of Andrew Heath, whose body was found by firefighters in the burnt out remains of his first floor flat in Chedworth Close in the early hours of Wednesday, December 14.

The couple, who lived in the flat below Mr Heath, also saw their home and belongings destroyed in the fire, which is being treated as a murder investigation by police.

They were woken just before 4am by the sound of banging, which they believe was Mr Heath calling for help, but the fire had already engulfed his Worcester Community Housing flat.

Mr Dayus tried to reach Mr Heath but could not get through the flames.

Mrs Dayus said he was with them the evening before the fire and added: ''He was quite happy and was teasing us. He had ordered our Christmas presents and Clive was trying to trick him into telling us what he had got us and he wouldn't say.

He was quite happy and he said 'I’m going up to take my tablets, goodnight see you in the morning', like he always did''.

The couple, who are spending Christmas and New Year with friends, will move into a new council home next year.

But Mrs Dayus said she was concerned about being able to settle in a new house without any of her belongings or Mr Heath.

"I just can't live without Andrew at the moment," she added.

Mr Dayus added: ‘‘He was one of the family - he joined in, he bought the kids presents - he was like a brother."

‘‘We miss him, we hope they catch the people that did this to him and to us too - they've destroyed us as well."

A man in his 30s was arrested by police after the fire and is currently on police bail.

DCI Gary Watson, who is leading the murder enquiry, said: "We are continuing with a painstaking investigation with a large dedicated team of people all of who are determined to find out what happened to Andrew Heath’’.

He confirmed West Mercia Police are pursuing several leads and were in regular contact with Mr Heath's family.

The police are appealing for anyone who knew Mr Heath to come forward.

They would also like to talk to anyone who was around Chedworth Close between 8pm on Tuesday, December 13 and 5am on Wednesday, December 14. Anyone with information can call the non emergency police number on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.