A man whose remains were found in a house in Barnes has been formally identified as William Algar, 53, known to friends and family as Blaise
A man whose remains were found in a house in Barnes has been formally identified as William Algar, 53, known to friends and family as Blaise Blaise, who lived at the address, was discovered during a search of the property on Nowell Road, SW13 on Friday, 3 January. A 17-year-old from Kensington and Chelsea was charged with murder on Monday, 6 January and appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 8 Jan – the next hearing is scheduled for 16 February. Officers attended after concerns had been raised about the welfare of an occupant. A post-mortem examination carried out at Kingston Mortuary on Sunday, 5 January, gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest. His family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers. Detective Inspector William White from the Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation. He said: “Blaise’s family are completely devastated by the loss of their son and brother and we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his murder. “I am now turning to the public and anyone who knew Blaise to tell me what they may have seen in the time leading up to his death. “I am specifically interested in hearing from anyone who had contact with him during November and December. Blaise was known to visit the local shops in the Castlenau area – did you notice him or speak to him? “I am also keen to hear from any residents in and around Nowell Road who have yet to speak to us – in the months prior to Christmas did you notice people you did not recognise coming and going from Blaise’s house during the day and night? “Any information you might have could assist us in establishing Blaise’s movements in the time leading up to his death.” Blaise’s family said in a tribute: “We are utterly horrified to lose our son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend in such tragic circumstances. “William Algar, also known as Blaise, was an incredibly talented musician and a gentle man. He was a brilliant jazz trumpeter and his playing brought joy to so many people. “He was also a very vulnerable man. “We hope that someone, anyone, can provide vital information to ensure those responsible for his death are brought to justice as swiftly as possible. “Please contact the police if you can help, even if it feels like a small piece of information it might prove crucial to the investigation.” Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054.
