Man's death in January turns into murder inquiry

The family of Mr Tawaab, also known as Michael Vidale, said he was intelligent and likeable, with a "cheeky smile, an infectious laugh, and a passion for cricket"

An arrest has been made as the death of a man found at his flat earlier this year has turned into a murder inquiry.

Hamid Tawaab, 59, was found unconscious in Fern Court, Huntingdon, on 20 January and he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Cambridgeshire Police said results from a post-mortem examination meant the force was now treating his death as suspicious.

A 35-year-old woman from the town has been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody.

Det Insp Verity McCann said the force was in the "early stages" of its investigation and had "lots of lines of inquiry to pursue".

"Recent results from a long and detailed forensic post-mortem following Mr Tawaab's death mean we are now treating this as a murder investigation," she said.

"We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if you live in or around Fern Court and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious at the time.

"I understand this is likely to be concerning for the local community, but we believe it to be an isolated incident and are working tirelessly to find out what happened."

A statement from the family of Mr Tawaab, also known as Michael Vidale, said he was greatly missed, and they hoped he was at peace.

"He was an incredibly intelligent and likeable person with a cheeky smile, an infectious laugh, and a passion for cricket," a tribute issued via police said.

"He was a father, grandfather, brother and uncle and we are deeply shocked and saddened by his loss and the horrific circumstances around his death."

Police have not released any further details about the cause of death.