Loans could hold key to flat fire victim's killing

Buy photos » Police are looking into Andrew Heath's financial dealings. (s)

POLICE investigating the death of Warndon arson attack victim Andrew Heath have revealed he was borrowing money to buy goods from catalogues for other people on the estate.

Detectives are looking into whether the financial dealings of the 52-year-old may hold the key to solving his killing.

Mr Heath, who was gay and lived alone, died when his first floor flat on Chedworth Close was engulfed by flames after a wheelie bin was set alight and rolled into his porch in the early hours of December 14.

Police believe Mr Heath was targeted but have not ruled out a random attack.

Those responsible for his death have yet to be found but police are looking into why Mr Heath took out small loans to buy items like TVs from catalogues for other people on the estate, which they then repaid to him in small weekly or monthly installments.

Mr Heath is not thought to have been acting as a loan shark but detectives are keen to establish whether money was a motive for the arson attack.

DCI Paul Williamson, who is leading the investigation said: "We want to ask the public is there any more information out there on this. Why would he take out loans to purchase items from catalogues, put himself in debt and then get repaid in small amounts? It doesn't make sense unless he was trying to ingratiate himself and be friendly with people."

"Is there something more to it? We know there are individuals who owe him money but are there any more people he has loaned money to or from that we have yet to talk to in our inquiries? We would like to know more about these financial arrangements."

DCI Williamson confirmed they were continuing to look into the name of a man given to police after a reconstruction of Mr Heath's death appeared on BBC One's Crimewatch.

Detectives have also been in close contact with the gay and lesbian community but police have no reason to think Mr Heath was the victim of a homophobic attack.

A reward of £10,000 is still being offered for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death. Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.