Six men were being questioned today about the murder of a private detective killed 21 years ago in a London pub car park.The investigation into Daniel Morgan’s death was stepped up two years ago after prolonged pressure on the police from members of his family, including his mother, who lives in Powys. Mr Morgan, 37, from Islington,was found dead in 1987.
His body was discovered in the Golden Lion pub car park in Sydenham, South London, with an axe embedded in his head.
His family maintain he was killed by a professional hitman.
A year ago, on the 20th anniversary of his death, Mr Morgan’s mother, Isobel Hulsmann from Hay-on-Wye, laid flowers at the spot where he died.
Police yesterday arrested five men over his murder. A sixth man - a serving police constable - has been held on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in relation to the case.
Scotland Yard has not named those held but reports suggest they include 62-year-old former detective sergeant Sid Fillery and Mr Morgan’s former business partner, Jonathan Rees, 53.
It is believed Mr Morgan was about to expose a South London drugs network involving corrupt police officers when he was murdered.
That allegation was never substantiated by the former Police Complaints Authority and a series of investigations failed to lead to any prosecutions.
The re-investigation into his death by Scotland Yard was launched in 2006 following pressure from the Metropolitan Police Authority.
Assistant commissioner John Yates said that over the 21 years:”the one consistent theme throughout has been the astonishing determination of the Morgan family to ensure those responsible are brought to justice”.
He added: “The current investigation has shown there are still people out there who have highly pertinent evidence about this case.”
Alastair Morgan, Mr Morgan’s brother, said: “It has been a very long, long battle. I really want to see the end of it.”
“We have long said that within south London the identity of those responsible for the murder is one of the worst kept local secrets.”
By Deborah Knox
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