Mother Helen Heath, sister Leia Charleson, father Les, and niece Sophie Law-Smith make their appeal to the public.
THE DEVASTATED family of a man who was killed in an arson attack in Warndon has made a desperate appeal for help in finding the person responsible for his death.
Leia Charleson gave a moving tribute to her brother Andrew Heath, whose body was found in the early hours of Wednesday, December 14 at his first floor flat in Chedworth Close.
Mrs Charleson spoke of the distress the 52-year-old’s death had caused her family as father Les Heath, 87, mother Helen, 83, and niece Sophie Law-Smith, 28, sat beside her at West Mercia Police Headquarters in Hindlip this morning (Thursday).
“The fire happened on the night of dad’s 87th birthday and Andrew never got the chance to wish him a happy birthday,” she said.
“Christmas was very distressing for us all this year and will no doubt always be a sad time for us in the future.
“I can’t understand why anyone would do this, they have taken Andrew from us and the fire destroyed all of his most treasured possessions.”
She revealed her brother had a great love of singing and sport, especially cricket.
He was brought up in Leicester before moving to Birmingham where he worked backstage in the city’s theatres and even got the opportunity to perform at the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London.
Mr Heath moved to Worcester nine years ago for a quieter life with his dog Max but still kept in close contact with his parents in Eastbourne.
Mrs Charleson, 57, added: “Whoever killed him will never take away our memories and I would like to ask anyone who knows what happened that night to please come forward to help the police and help our family find some answers.
“Any small piece of information could make all the difference.”
DCI Paul Williamson, who is leading the investigation, said police had made over 260 house enquiries and were analysing more than 220 witness statements, along with evidence from the forensic team, phone and computer records and CCTV images.
“We are keen to contact anybody who knew Andrew via online activities, social media sites or personally and especially during the week leading up the incident but particularly within the time parameters of 8pm to prior to when Mr Heath made the call at 3.57am,” he added.
A man in his 30s arrested by police two days after the fire remains on police bail.
Anyone with information can contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.