Crimewatch to feature Helensburgh murders

POLICE investigating a triple murder in Helensburgh will feature the high-profile case on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme tonight.

Thomas Sharkey, 21, and his eight-year-old sister Bridget died following a deliberate fire at their home in Scott Court, Helensburgh on 24 July. Their father Thomas, 55, died six days later.

Detectives investigating the murders hope the Crimewatch appeal will provide further information which will help them to trace the person responsible.

The only survivor of the blaze was 46-year-old Angela Sharkey. She remained in hospital for a number of weeks and only later learned of her family’s fate.

She spoke movingly about the loss of her husband and two children following the deliberate fire at their home, urging the attacker to “do the decent thing”.

Police and family members have made several appeals for information, but so far no-one has been arrested over the murders.

Detective Superintendent Peter McPike said: “We have yet to establish a motive for this crime and are following a number of lines of inquiry. However, we are hoping that the Crimewatch appeal will provide that vital piece of information which could help us take our inquiry forward.”

The Crimewatch programme, is due to be aired tonight at 9pm.