UPDATE: Fernhurst murder investigation continues

Michael was discovered dead in his burning home by firefighters called to Old Glebe on Thursday January 24. He had serious head injuries.

The exact cause of his death is not yet known but Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley who is leading the inquiry said there was no doubt police were dealing with a murder investigation.

It will be another two weeks before the results of tests reveal whether smoke inhalation played a part in Michael’s death.

As the Observer went to press yesterday Det Ch Insp Riley said: “We have had a recent review of the exhibits taken from the house and asked for further forensic investigation of them. We have also asked for some new exhibits to be examined.

“It is a slow methodical process, but it has to be done otherwise we might miss something.”

He said the black 4x4 seen parked on the pavement in Old Glebe around the time the fire broke out at Michael’s home had still not been traced.

“We believe this vehicle is significant. If it had been there for a genuine reason we would have hoped we would have tracked down the owner by now.”

He said police interviews were continuing and auctioneers Nicholsons had been a great help facilitating the distribution of posters.

“At the moment it appears to be, as we have always suspected, that it was a stranger.”