Grampian Police launch ‘cold case’ investigation into fires in Fraserburgh

DETECTIVES have launched a ‘cold case’ investigation into two suspicious fires which killed three men in Fraserburgh and they believe to be linked

Grampian Police are to carry out the fresh review as the sixth anniversary of one of the tragic blazes approaches.

Derek Roy, 46, and Derek Youngson, 19, were killed in a horror house fire in the north-east town’s Kirk Brae on Hogmanay 2006.

Police believe there is a link to the death of Gordon Graham, 43, in a blaze at his home in High Street on 3 May, 1998.

Officers are making a fresh appeal to identify two people seen in a car park near the old police office after the 2006 fire.

Detective Superintendent Malcolm Stewart said: “Despite repeated appeals to the public, we have never been able to identify those two people.

“The man was wearing a black tammy hat and was with a female who had her trousers tucked into her knee-high boots.

“As we’ve said previously, and I want to emphasise it again today, these people are not considered suspects but may hold information which is of vital importance to the investigation and may not realise it.”

Grampian Police launched a review of Mr Roy and Mr Youngson’s deaths in October 2009, and it was extended to include the fire which claimed Mr Graham’s life.

The findings were reported to the procurator fiscal in early 2010.

Det Supt Stewart said officers would now re-examine the circumstances of both fires, carrying out a detailed review of the evidence and interviewing relevant witnesses again.

He added: “We owe it to the families of the men who died to ensure that no stone is left unturned and, given that it is now three years since the last review was carried out, it is only right and proper that we take a fresh look at these cases.

“We have been in contact with representatives from each family in recent days to inform them of the decision which they fully support. We must not lose sight of the fact that they deserve justice for their loved ones and we are absolutely committed to making sure that happens.

“Over the coming days and weeks officers will begin re-examining the circumstances surrounding both of the fires which will include a detailed review of all of the available evidence as well as, where necessary, re-interviewing relevant witnesses.”

Det Supt Stewart confirmed that a link between the two fires formed part of the review which took place in 2009 and would again feature in the fresh enquiries launched by the force.

He continued: “Both of these fires took place in suspicious circumstances and we believe that someone out there knows what happened.

“Those who might have been reluctant to come forward in the past, for whatever reason, may be more willing to do so now. Families are still grieving for their loved ones and they deserve answers.”

“That is why the renewed public appeal for witnesses that we’ve issued today is so important and I want to take this opportunity to again urge anyone who has any information about either of these incidents, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward to us.”

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.