POLICE investigating the murder of Michael Griffiths say there is evidence of petrol having been used to start the fire that destroyed the Fernhurst man's home.

They are also trying to trace a black or dark-coloured car that was seen in the area on the morning of the fire.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley, of the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have established an unfamiliar black or dark-coloured vehicle, possibly a 4x4 or SUV-type, was seen parked on the pavement in Old Glebe on Thursday morning (January 24) around the time the fire broke out, probably between 6.30am and 7.30am.

"It's possible that it was there in all innocence, but we really want to find out more about that vehicle and who was in it. If it was you, please get in touch as you may have information that could help."

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