Police renew appeal 21 years after father-of-three murdered in arson attack

Detectives have renewed their appeal for information 21 years after a father-of-three was killed when his home was deliberately set on fire.

James Tomlin, 36, died from smoke inhalation after his house on Prospect Grove, in Shipley was deliberately set on fire on August 15, 2005.

His pregnant fiancée and their two sons were rescued from the property by firefighters, but Mr Tomlin died as a result of the blaze.

Now, on the 21st anniversary of his murder, detectives from West Yorkshire Police's Major Investigation Review Team have once again appealed for anyone with information about his death to come forward.

Detective Inspector Steve King of the Major Investigation Review Team said: “Twenty-one years may have passed but we remain committed to finding out who was responsible for his death.

“The pain and loss felt by his family will never go away and we as a police force will never give up.

“Friendships and loyalties change over the years, which mean people can come forward now who may not have been able to at the time.

“We still believe that the person responsible will have told someone what they did that night.

“Any information no matter how small could be key to getting answers and getting justice from James and his family.

"Unsolved cases are never closed and any new evidence will be reviewed by our team of investigators, who are now able to look at these cases with modern forensic technology.

“Anyone with information is asked to speak to the Major Investigation Review team via 101 or use the live chat options at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat

Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”