Murder detectives have reopened their investigation into the death of a man found on fire in woodland.

Anthony Billy, of Russell Hill Lodge, Purley, died in Croham Hurst Woods on January 19, 2011 from major burns.

Police officers, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service were called to reports of a man on fire in the woods.

Officers made a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames when they arrived at the scene but the damage already done to his body was too severe.

The 32-year-old’s death was initially treated as non-suspicious, after it was believed that he had set himself on fire.

But detectives from the Met’s murder squad are now reappealing for information after new evidence came to light.

Police have not been drawn on what the new evidence or line of inquiry. Mr Billy’s death is being treated as unexplained.

Over the next two weeks officers are leafleting the area where Anthony lived in Purley, the area around Croham Hurst Woods and the area around the Whitgift Esso garage on Brighton Road that Mr Billy had visited that afternoon.

Detective Inspector David Reid said: "I am keen to speak to anyone who can give us any information about what happened to Anthony Billy on that Friday afternoon.

"We know he left his home about 2.55pm, and he was at the Whitgift Esso petrol garage on Brighton Road about half an hour later. We know he left the garage just after 3.30pm, carrying a white Esso carrier bag, and he was at the woods about 20 minutes later.

"Anthony Billy was about 5'10 tall, and of medium build. He was wearing a dark hooded top, black jeans and grey adidas trainers that had red markings on the soles.

"I'm keen to know how Anthony Billy got from Purley to the garage, and how he got from the garage to the woods."

Anyone with information should call the incident room based in Sutton on 0208 721 4054. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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