New arrest over 2012 Butch Desmier murder in Bradford

Detectives investigating the 2012 murder of Bradford father-of-six Clement Desmier have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the death.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Mar 2015, 11:40 BST
Scene picture, where 68 year Clement Desmier has been found murdered in his home in Bradford, West YorkshireScene picture, where 68 year Clement Desmier has been found murdered in his home in Bradford, West Yorkshire
Scene picture, where 68 year Clement Desmier has been found murdered in his home in Bradford, West Yorkshire

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.

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West Yorkshire Police said today that officers arrested a man yesterday morning in connection with the murder. The suspect is currently in custody at a police station for questioning.

BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated file handout photo issued by West Yorkshire Police of Clement Desmier, as police hunting the killers of the pensioner who was found dead following a burglary at his home have arrested a man. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 28, 2012. The body of Clement Desmier, 68, was found last Thursday at the house in Rowlestone Rise, Bradford, where he lived alone. See PA story POLICE Pensioner. Photo credit should read: West Yorkshire Police/PA WireBEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated file handout photo issued by West Yorkshire Police of Clement Desmier, as police hunting the killers of the pensioner who was found dead following a burglary at his home have arrested a man. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 28, 2012. The body of Clement Desmier, 68, was found last Thursday at the house in Rowlestone Rise, Bradford, where he lived alone. See PA story POLICE Pensioner. Photo credit should read: West Yorkshire Police/PA Wire
BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated file handout photo issued by West Yorkshire Police of Clement Desmier, as police hunting the killers of the pensioner who was found dead following a burglary at his home have arrested a man. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 28, 2012. The body of Clement Desmier, 68, was found last Thursday at the house in Rowlestone Rise, Bradford, where he lived alone. See PA story POLICE Pensioner. Photo credit should read: West Yorkshire Police/PA Wire

Another 19-year-old man who was arrested in January in connection with the murder remains on police bail.

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.

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“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.

Anyone with information can contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.