Police are conducting a homicide inquiry following the discovery of a deceased male inside a residence that was deliberately set on fire.
The body of Zbigniew Wasiak, aged 59, was found by Cambridgeshire Police at a property on Wootton Avenue, Fletton, Peterborough, around 3:35 am on Sunday in the aftermath of a house blaze. Authorities were alerted to the scene by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue following a report from the fire service.
Upon a collaborative examination by law enforcement and fire officials, it was determined that an accelerant was utilized by an unknown individual to ignite the fire. The cause of Mr. Wasiak’s death has not yet been confirmed, pending a scheduled post-mortem examination on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit stated that the investigation is in its initial phases and the motive behind the fire initiation remains unknown. The detective urged the public for assistance, particularly residents in the vicinity of Wootton Avenue who may have witnessed any suspicious activities around the time of the incident.
Authorities encourage anyone possessing pertinent information, doorbell or dashcam footage, to contact the non-emergency number 101 or use the online reporting tool referencing Operation Landform. Alternatively, individuals can access the Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Major Incident Public Portal or submit an anonymous report through Crimestoppers charity at 0800 555 111 or via its online reporting platform.