53-year-old William Algar's head and torso found wrapped in a sheet

William 'Blaise' Algar

A 53-year-old man who attended Chiswick School has been found killed and in dismembered in his Barnes home.

William Algar, who was known as Blaise to his family and friends, is believed to have died after drug dealers took over his home in a process called 'cuckooing' in which the residence of a vulnerable person is used to provide a base for their operations. Mr Algar is understood to have had mental health issues. He attended Chiswick School between 1977 and 1984.

At a court hearing in which a murder charge was made against a teenager it was revealed that Mr Algar's head and torso were found on 3 January wrapped in a sheet on Nowell Road. His legs and arms were missing. A post mortem showed that the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest but there were 20 other wounds to the body.

His family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.

Detective Inspector William White from the Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation. He said, “Blaise's family are completely devastated by the loss of their son and brother and we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his murder.

“I am now turning to the public and anyone who knew Blaise to tell me what they may have seen in the time leading up to his death.

“I am specifically interested in hearing from anyone who had contact with him during November and December. Blaise was known to visit the local shops in the Castlenau area – did you notice him or speak to him?

“I am also keen to hear from any residents in and around Nowell Road who have yet to speak to us – in the months prior to Christmas did you notice people you did not recognise coming and going from Blaise's house during the day and night?

“Any information you might have could assist us in establishing Blaise's movements in the time leading up to his death.”

Nowell Road. Picture: Google Streetview

Blaise's family said in a tribute: “We are utterly horrified to lose our son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend in such tragic circumstances.

“William Algar, also known as Blaise, was an incredibly talented musician and a gentle man. He was a brilliant jazz trumpeter and his playing brought joy to so many people.

“He was also a very vulnerable man.

“We hope that someone, anyone, can provide vital information to ensure those responsible for his death are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.

“Please contact the police if you can help, even if it feels like a small piece of information it might prove crucial to the investigation.”

The 17-year-old accused is from Kensington & Chelsea. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing on 25 March.

Officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are investigating.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054.

January 12, 2020