Cops re-open 34-year-old unsolved murder of hero soldier who died saving family from arson attack
No-one has been charged over attack and former wife remains desperate for answers
COPS have launched a cold case appeal into the murder of a hero soldier who died saving his family from a Boxing Day arson attack.
Lance Corporal Neville Richards, 22, was on leave from the Army at Christmas 1982 when petrol was poured under the front door of his family home and set alight with a piece of burning fabric.
Flames quickly engulfed the house in Battersea, south-west London.
L/Cpl Richards, known as Noddy, woke his mother who was rescued with his stepfather from the balcony while the soldier's wife Martina, 20, escaped through a lounge window.
But L/Cpl Richards was overcome by fumes and collapsed in the hallway of the flat. Despite firefighters' efforts to save him, he died.
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Nearly 34-years on no-one has been charged over the attack and his former wife remains desperate for answers.
Detective Inspector Susan Stansfield, of the Met's Special Casework Investigation Team, said: "Noddy was a decent young man who had built himself a promising career in the Army and was popular among his comrades.
"He was home for the festive season and had spent Christmas Day with his family before the horrific events of the following morning.
"Noddy put the safety of his family ahead of his own and sadly he was overcome by fumes before he could get out of the flat himself."
A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fire at Ramsey House, Maysoule Road, but he was released with no further action, police have said.
L/Cpl Richards, who was with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment, posted in Munster, Germany, was described as a "lovely, caring and gentle human being", by his former wife.
Ms Lewis, who met and married Noddy in Germany and now lives in Hampshire, said: "After 33 years the pain of Noddy's loss remains as painful as ever.
"He was denied a life with family and friends, having children, grandchildren and a whole life full of opportunities.
"There's not one day that goes by that I don't think of Noddy."
Ms Lewis continued: "Because of all this I appeal to anyone from the bottom of my heart who knows anything, no matter how small, to listen to their conscience so the person who did this awful crime can be brought to justice.
"I didn't even get to say goodbye to Noddy or hug him one last time."
Scotland Yard asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact police on 020 7230 4294 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Today it was revealed that Stephen Lawrence murder suspect Jamie Acourt has been named as one of the ten most wanted Brit fugitives on the run in Spain.
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