Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Wayne Trotter, who was burned alive on his way home from work in Hendon.

The boys, from Borehamwood, were taken into custody at around 8pm on Monday and were being questioned in a Hertfordshire police station on Tuesday morning. One boy was subsequently released without charge.

A police spokeswoman said: "This is very much a matter of routine and it is hard to say where it will take us. We are still urging anyone with information to come forward."

Mr Trotter, 30, who left a three-year-old son, James, died on December 5 after he was doused in petrol and set alight close to his home in Borehamwood at 12.35am.

Fears that Mr Trotter's wife, Ann, might miscarry her second child because of the trauma have been allayed, although there are still concerns for her health.

Mr Trotter worked at the Renolit plastics factory in Horseshoe Close, Cricklewood, with his father Bill.

Jeff Kagan, the company's operations manager, said: "There is such a void here. Wayne has left a real hole.

"I am in contact with the family almost on a daily basis and we will decide what we can do for them the other side of Christmas."

If you can help police, call 01707 354236 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Wayne Trotter Appeal Fund was set up last week to support the family of the Borehamwood man who was burned to death last week.

Mr Trotter is survived by three-year-old son James and wife Ann, who is expecting their second child. To make a donation, contact Borehamwood HSBC at 7 Furze Hill Parade, Shenley Road, WD6 1EG, account number 41335073, sort code 40-12-27.

December 18, 2002 17:00