Detectives hunting the killers of a pensioner whose body was found in a freezer have made an arrest.
The body of Roy Bigg was found inside the freezer in a derelict wine bar on Romford Road in Forest Gate, Newham in October 2021.
The 70-year-old who sometimes worked at the former Simpsons Wine Bar was reported missing in 2012.
Police believe Roy’s body may have been inside the freezer for up to 10 years.
Now, over two years after his body was found, detectives hunting the killers revealed a breakthrough in the case.
Police have confirmed that they arrested a man in his 40s in October 2023 in connection with the investigation who was later released.
A second man in his 50s was also interviewed under caution with no further action being taken.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, of Scotland Yard’s Specialist Crime Command, said: ‘We have arrested one person and interviewed another under caution.’
She also revealed that forensic analysis showed Roy had suffered rib injuries.
DCI Allen said officers have also spoken to the victims’ extended family, who helped provide further background information, such as the fact that he was well known in the area.
Speaking on BBC’s Crimewatch Live today, DCI Allen said: ‘It has been really challenging because of the passage of time.
‘We haven’t been able to fully identify what has actually killed him.
‘I think that there is a strong possibility that he was killed and then placed into the freezer in the basement of that pub.’
Detectives are still eagerly appealing for witnesses who can help solve the case with a £20,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction.
DCI Allen said the arrest followed a previous Crimewatch appeal.
But she added: ‘We’re still really looking for people who can tell us what was happening to Roy in the weeks and months leading up to his death.
‘We absolutely need people to come forward. There is a £20,000 serious case reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the offenders.’
In 2022 MailOnline tracked down one of Roy’s last living relatives, his first cousin Frank Bousfield.
He said that his cousin was an only child who doted on his mother Hetty and nursed her when fell sick with terminal cancer until she died when Roy was 25.
He said: ‘Roy was obviously a caring person because he took care of his own mother for years, and I remember thinking it was odd that his father Bert, who worked at Ford in Dagenham for his entire career, seemed to leave that side of things to his son.’
He also revealed that Roy may have been shunned by his family for his sexuality.
Mr Bousfield said: ‘The main thing I remember about Roy was hearing on the family grapevine that he was gay. It wasn’t as socially acceptable in those days and I think some of the family might have shunned him a bit as a result.’
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
