Great Yarmouth: New Lead in Cold Case

12 April 2013, 09:00 | Updated: 12 April 2013, 09:38

Norfolk police say they may have a new lead in the murder of a man back in 1984 that has never been solved.

Peter Andrew Miller was 24 when his body was found in the kitchen of his home in Camden Place, Great Yarmouth.  

His brother, Anthony Miller, had found Peter at around 7.45pm on Sunday 9 December, although he had last been seen alive earlier in the afternoon by his neighbour, after he had helped her with some household repairs. 

His death had been as a result of a single stab wound to his chest and until recently the murder weapon had never been found.  However, fresh evidence received by the Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Major Investigation Team led to the discovery of a sharp implement which could have been used in the attack.  This item is being forensically examined to see if it contains evidence linking it to the murder. 

Family members who found Peter reported a strange smell in the air when they entered and a CS aerosol canister was found inside the house lying on the floor.  It is believed that the canister had been used by either his murderer or Peter Miller as he was being assaulted. 

Despite investigations in 1984 and 1985 and a number of arrests, no one was ever charged with the murder. Several reviews failed to reveal further lines of enquiry until recently when fresh information was received and officers are now actively pursuing them. 

Detective Inspector Gary Bloomfield, from the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, welcomed the news saying: "This is an exciting new development in an historic investigation and underlines our commitment to resolving our unsolved cases.  Fresh information will always be assessed and we will take the necessary action to drive the investigation forward. I am confident whoever killed Peter was from the Great Yarmouth area and somebody from that community will have knowledge or suspicions as to who the murderer is. I appeal directly to that person to unburden yourself and contact Norfolk police in confidence so Peter's killer can be found." 

Chief Constable Phil Gormley backed the campaign saying:  "We are very fortunate to live in a place where serious violent crime is still viewed as extraordinary and shocking.  However, when crimes of this nature do occur it's important we do all we can to solve them, to catch violent offenders and bring justice to long-suffering victims of crime and their families.  Undetected crimes of this nature remain under constant review and I am very happy to support this fresh approach, which sees Norfolk Constabulary work to seek justice for victims and protect Norfolk's communities."

Anyone who has information regarding Peter Miller's death should contact the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team on 101 or  Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.