Detective determined to catch Joe's killer, 20 years on

Joe was aged seven when he died on May 3, 1997, after petrol was poured through the letterbox of a house on Haywood Avenue and set alight. 　

The youngster was staying with his aunt and cousins whilst his mum was working away. He was seriously injured in the incident and later died in hospital.　

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Joe’s death, prompting West Yorkshire Police to issue a fresh plea to the community for any information that may assist police with their ongoing enquiry.　

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, who is leading the investigation, said: “I strongly believe that the answer to this case lies within the community and would like to appeal to anyone who has any information or knows who is responsible to come forward and speak to the police. 　

“This was an abhorrent crime and a truly tragic case which claimed the life of Joe but could have easily taken the lives of three other children.　

“We always remain positive that we will get to the bottom of this incident; West Yorkshire Police would never close a case of this magnitude and this case remained one of the most prominent unsolved crimes for the Force and we are determined to get justice for Joe and his family.　

“I hope that it is some comfort to the family that we are committed to finding who is responsible and that we will do everything in our power to catch the perpetrator and bring them to justice.”　

Anyone with information is asked to call West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 or alternatively information can be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.