Police plea for help after man dies in fire

Mar 12 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

THE death of a 21-year-old in a house fire in Anfield is being treated as manslaughter.

Officers investigating the death of joiner Ryan Dugdale at Hilary Close, Anfield, have rearrested a 16-year-old from Walton on suspicion of manslaughter and he is still being questioned by detectives.

They have also revealed that two television sets were stolen from the house last Saturday before 10.45am.

Police are trying to build up a picture of what happened on the night and are appealing to anyone who may have any information.

They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have been offered television sets for sale, or who knows where the stolen sets are.

DI Ian Crewe, said: “We are aware that the house was burgled shortly before the fire started and we now know that two television sets – a 42inch LG plasma television and a 17-22in ONN LCD television set – were taken from the house. Any information could be vital to the investigation.

A 17-year-old from Anfield and the Walton-based 16-year-old were initially arrested on suspicion of burglary and suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The 17-year-old has now been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

ANYONE with information should call St Anne’s Street CID office on 0151 777 4065, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.