Police have initiated a homicide inquiry following the discovery of a deceased man in a building that was intentionally set on fire.
Authorities in Cambridgeshire disclosed that Zbigniew Wasiak, aged 59, was found inside a residence on Wootton Avenue, Fletton, Peterborough, around 3:35 am on Sunday after a residential fire incident.
The police department responded to the location after receiving a notification from the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue service, indicating a potential crime scene involving the use of an accelerant by a third party to ignite the blaze. The cause of Mr. Wasiak’s death remains unconfirmed pending a scheduled post-mortem examination on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit stated that the investigation is at an early stage, with the motive behind the arson yet to be determined. Authorities are urging residents of the Wootton Avenue vicinity to provide any information they may have regarding the incident.
“We are still in the early stages of our investigation and part of the initial enquiries will be to establish why the fire was started at his home. We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if you live in the area of Wootton Avenue and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious around the time of the incident,” mentioned the detective.
Police are seeking assistance from the public, encouraging those with relevant information, doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings to contact the non-emergency number 101 or submit details through the police’s online reporting system, referencing Operation Landform.
Additionally, individuals can access the Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Major Incident Public Portal or provide anonymous tips through the Crimestoppers charity hotline at 0800 555 111 or its online reporting platform.
