William Algar: First picture of 'very vulnerable man' found killed in Barnes home as family say they are 'utterly horrified'

William Algar, 53, was found dead with a stab wound to the chest
Met Police
Jacob Jarvis9 January 2020
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The family of a "very vulnerable" man found dead in a London home with a stab wound to the chest say they are "utterly horrified".

Police today released a picture of William Algar, whose body was discovered in a home in Barnes on Friday, January 3.

Officers have launched a murder enquiry and are appealing for further information.

Mr Algar was described by his family as a "very vulnerable man" and they spoke of their desire for "justice as swiftly as possible".

Mr Algar was discovered in a property in Nowell Road, Barnes
Google

Paying tribute to the 53-year-old, who was also known as Blaise, the family said: “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."

They called for anyone with information to contact police, a plea echoed by detective inspector William White, who is leading the murder investigation.

“Blaise’s family are completely devastated by the loss of their son and brother and we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his murder," he said.

“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."

He said he is specifically interested in hearing from anyone who lived near where Mr Algar was found, in Nowell Road, or who may have seen him at shops he went to in Castlenau in the days before his death.

DI White said he would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed people "coming and going" from Mr Algar's house in the day or night in the run up to his death.

A 17-year-old has been charged with murder and appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. He is due in court again in February.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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