Roofer arrested in relation to suspected murder of 78-year-old Briton in central France
Tradesperson reportedly worked on property where Briton was found dead earlier this month
A French tradesperson has been arrested in relation to the suspected murder of a 78-year-old British man in Burgundy, local media reports.
Gilwyn James was found dead at his home in Champlemy (Nièvre) earlier in the month, following several violent blows to the head.
The arrested roofer, named by media outlet Le Nouveau Detective as Jean-Pierre from nearby Thouez, had reportedly worked on the property where Mr James was found dead.
Le Nouveau Detective is a French media outlet that specialises in ongoing crime investigations.
He had reportedly carried out several works for Mr James, including on a barn roof that was left with a large hole.
Mr James had allegedly taken the matter to court, said a local source.
Gendarmes reportedly asked residents of Champlemy whether Mr James had faced any problems with tradespeople during their initial investigation, with it therefore possible that the roofer was an early suspect in the case.
The roofer is currently being questioned by local police officers but official charges are yet to be made.
French media have consistently misspelt the victim’s name as Gylwin James.
