TWO young men posing as police officers tried to get into Fernhurst resident Michael Griffiths' house shortly before he was murdered, police have revealed.

The body of Mr Griffiths, 59, was discovered in his burning home by firefighters on January 24.

He had suffered a "significant assault" but a post-mortem examination was inconclusive and an update on further tests to establish the cause of death is expected next month.

Police believe the two mystery men, who called a few days before his death, could have been doing a reconaissance of the premises or attempting some sort of distraction burglary.

Mr Griffiths was known in the village for his jewellery, which he made at home – he also collected antiques.

A team of detectives from Surrey and Sussex police is following a number of lines of enquiry, including talking to members of the antique trade locally, who were either friends – or who may have had business dealings with him.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley said: "We have identified that Michael had a keen interest in militaria and attended a number of fairs at Bisley.

"I would appeal to anyone who knew him or has any information about his business activities, either through the antiques trade or the militaria meeting, who have not spoken to us, to get in touch.

"We have not ruled out any potential motive for Michael's murder. We have not identified the two youths or men, who called at his home earlier in the week and snowballed the house when he answered. We do know that when they called they claimed to be police officers, so at this stage, we are still connecting them with the enquiry.

"We are very keen to establish who they were and if anyone else had the same experience or saw them in the area on the night of January 22.

"Similarly, we have not yet traced the black SUV or 4x4 vehicle that was seen in the area on the morning of the fire and as a result, this remains a suspicious vehicle of interest to us. 

"The crime scene was severely damaged by the fire and as a result the associated forensic work was exhaustive and complicated. We have established accelerants were used to start the fire. 

"I am determined those responsible for Michael's death will be brought to justice."

Call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Killick if you have any information that could help officers.