ANDREW HEATH WORCESTER ARSON VICTIM AND PAEDOPHILE: INVESTIGATION INTO HIS DEATH IN WARNDON

In December 2012, the quiet neighborhood of Warndon in Worcester was shaken by a tragic incident that resulted in the death of Andrew Heath, a 52-year-old man whose life ended in a devastating fire at his flat on Chedworth Close. The circumstances surrounding his death have prompted a thorough police investigation, with authorities revealing startling details about Heath's past that may be relevant to the case.

West Mercia Police confirmed that Andrew Heath was found dead following an arson attack on his residence. The fire, which occurred on 14 December, has been classified as a criminal act, and investigators are actively working to identify those responsible. The police have disclosed that they are exploring all possible angles, including Heath’s criminal history, which they believe could be pertinent to understanding the motives behind the attack.

Authorities have publicly acknowledged that Heath had a troubling past involving multiple convictions related to sexual offenses. Specifically, he had five convictions from the 1980s and 1990s for gross indecency and indecent assault against teenage boys. These offenses took place in Leicester and Birmingham, and they form a significant part of the police’s line of inquiry. His last known conviction was in 1999, when he received a sentence of three years probation for indecent assault. Prior to that, he had served jail time in 1984, 1989, and 1992 for similar charges.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson explained the reasoning behind the decision to disclose Heath’s criminal record. “I have taken the decision to make public details of previous offences committed by Andrew Heath because it may have some bearing on our inquiries,” he stated. He also addressed the rumors circulating within the Warndon community, some of which he described as “fanciful,” and expressed concern that such misinformation might hinder the investigation. The police have confirmed that they are considering Heath’s past offenses as one of their investigative avenues, but they have found no recent complaints or allegations against him since his move to Worcester.

Furthermore, West Mercia Police emphasized that they have not encountered any hostility or negative sentiments from the local community towards Heath. They have stated that if anyone possesses information that could be relevant to the case or suggests otherwise, they are encouraged to come forward. All reports related to sexual offenses will be handled with utmost sensitivity and confidentiality by specially trained officers, the police assured.

Reflecting on the tragic circumstances, Detective Williamson remarked, “Whatever Mr. Heath did in his past, he died in a terrible way, and his family has been left in limbo, not knowing what happened to him.”

In connection with the investigation, three individuals were arrested last week in relation to Heath’s death at his Chedworth Close flat. They have since been released on bail. Overall, ten people have been detained in connection with the case. In an effort to encourage witnesses to come forward, the police have increased the reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of Heath’s killer from £10,000 to £20,000, underscoring the seriousness with which they are pursuing justice in this tragic case.