AN 82-year-old man has died two weeks after a horror house fire that left three others critically injured – as police launch a murder investigation.
The blaze tore through a semi-detached home in Wednesbury, West Midlands, in the early hours of Sunday, May 11.
SWNSThe fire service and police at the scene of the blaze Holyhead Road, Wednesbury[/caption]
SWNSPolice have launched a murder investigation after a pensioner died two weeks after a devastating house fire[/caption]
SWNSPolice said they are now working with the Crown Prosecution Service to review the charges in light of the new development[/caption]
John Edwards, 82, was pulled from the burning house but tragically died in hospital on Sunday, May 25.
West Midlands Police confirmed the pensioner’s death today and said three other people, including a man in his 50s and a woman in her 80s, remain in a critical but stable condition.
Andrew Gorrell, 53, from Saltney, Chester, had already been charged with arson and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He has appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court and remains in custody.
Police said they are now working with the Crown Prosecution Service to review the charges in light of the new development.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “Our thoughts are with his family following this tragic development.
“We are in close contact with them, and they are being supported by our specialist officers.
“We are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the fire to contact us, and we are especially keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of the evening of Saturday 10 May or the early hours of Sunday 11 May.
“We have set up an online portal where you can leave any information you may have including videos and pictures.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting log 504 of May 11.
SWNSAnyone with information is asked to contact the police[/caption]
SWNSThe blaze tore through a semi-detached home[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
