19-year-old arrested over Bradford murder of ‘Butch’ Desmier

Mr Desmier, known locally as ‘Butch’, was found dead in his armchair at his house in Rowlestone Rise, Ravenscliffe, on August 23, 2012.

He had a pillow over his head and had suffered 70 separate injuries, including 40 stab wounds, and had been tortured before he was killed.

West Yorkshire Police said today that a 19-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

Last year detectives revealed that an independent forensic review of the evidence already gathered in the case was currently being carried out by an expert from the National Crime Agency, which was formed last year to tackle serious and organised crime.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, who is leading the investigation into the murder, said at the time: “They have an expert forensic scientist who has been conducting a forensic review and has given us a fresh pair of eyes, potentially some more forensic opportunities that we can explore.

“There has been an ongoing forensic strategy through this which has been very detailed and comprehensive.”

Police said last year that more than one person may have been involved with the murder, as a witness saw two men at Mr Desmier’s door in the early hours of August 23.