June 6, 2001 11:41: THE family of a Sawbridgeworth man who died following an arson attack on his home have spoken for the first time of their devastation at his death.

Keith Rogers, 40, died on Saturday, May 26, following a four-week battle against injuries sustained in a fire at his home in River Court, Station Road. A murder inquiry has now been launched.

Mr Rogers' parents, Maureen and Robert, said in a statement issued by police: "The death of our much-loved son has been a terrible shock to our family.

"Keith was a gentle man who had many friends and who did not deserve to die in this way. We can't understand why this has happened and we are all devastated.

"We are a very close family Keith had three sisters and we are still trying to come to terms with his death. We would urge anyone who has any information to support the police and come forward to help."

Mr Rogers had been in Harlow's Princess Alexandra Hospital following the fire which was started outside the front door of his first-floor flat, in the early hours of Sunday, April 29.

He was initially on the critical list, suffering from smoke inhalation, minor burns and leg and back injuries sustained when he jumped from a rear window to escape the blaze.

His condition had been improving but he died in the hospital's intensive care unit. A post mortem carried out last week showed the cause of death was from smoke inhalation which led to organ failure.

A 38-year-old man and a 31-year-old womna, both from Bishop's Stortford, were arrested on suspicion of murder at 6.30am yesterday (Tuesday). At the time of going to press they were being held in custody at Hertford police station.

Anyone with any information should contact the incident room at Bishop's Stortford on 01992 533175.