A MURDER investigation has been launched by detectives from Sussex and Surrey after the body of a man was found in a burning house in Fernhurst.

Michael Griffiths, 59, who worked part-time for John Nicholson's Auctioneers and was well-known in the village, had been seriously assaulted before his death.

Mr Griffiths lived alone in a semi-detached house in Old Glebe and was discovered by firefighters from Haslemere and Midhurst, who were called to his home last Thursday morning.

Detectives conducting the murder enquiry believe Mr Griffiths may have been specifically targeted.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.