Man found in flat fire murdered say police (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Man found in Putney flat fire murdered say police

8:46am Monday 11th February 2013 in News By Nick Hitchens

A murder investigation has been launched after a man found dead in a flat fire was discovered to have suffered serious injuries unrelated to the blaze.

Police and fire fighters were called to Holroyd Road, Putney just after 5am on Friday to reports of a fire in a flat.

The body of Adrian Bussandri, 51, who lived in the three-storey home alone, was found after the fire had been extinguished. A post mortem at St George's Hospital mortuary on Saturday gave the cause of death as smoke inhalation, but also found multiple injuries to his head and body thought to be caused by a sharp object.

No arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Russell Taylor said: "I am appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Holroyd Road at the time of the fire and might have seen anything suspicious to contact police.

"We also need to hear from anyone who knew Mr Bussandri and had any recent contact with him.

"It is now apparent that Mr Bussandri had been subjected to a violent assault prior to the fire. If you have any information, please come forward and speak to my officers."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident Room on 020-8721 4868; if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Did you know Mr Bussandri? Contact the newsdesk on 0208 722 6334