Death Now Murder

His body was found eight years ago, after he had overdosed on paracetamol and anti-depressants, at the Yapton home he shared with Thompson also known as the "Black Widow".

A police spokesman said: "The death of Mr Webb is being treated as murder. For evidential reasons, police are unable to comment on the reason for the reopening of the inquiry. A number of lines of inquiry are being pursued."

Mr Webb's death had seemed perfectly straightforward to the police at the time of his death. There was no evidence of foul play and no murder inquiry was launched.

The only possible shred of doubt, if any, came from the coroner at Mr Webb's inquest he recorded an open verdict after saying he was satisfied Mr Webb would not have considered taking his own life.

But it was while Thompson stood accused of the attempted murder of her third husband, Richard, in August, 2000, that police suspicions became aroused.

Although Thompson was acquitted of attempted murder, she was sentenced to three years and nine months for defrauding him and a string of other lovers.

Police exhumed Mr Webb's body in October last year and a post-mortem examination was carried out.

Samples from the body were sent for testing to German toxicologist Dr Hans Sach recommended by the Harold Shipman inquiry. Anyone with any information about Mr Webb's death should contact police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting Operation Parkford.