Thames Valley Police officers awarded for Reece Heffernan murder case

Police officers have received commendations for their work after a man was stabbed to death.

Reece Heffernan, 22, was fatally stabbed in the chest in Tilehurst, Reading, in 2021.

Det Supt Andy Howard from Thames Valley Police said it was an "emotional" investigation as they believed Mr Heffernan was not the intended target.

Three drug dealers were convicted of his murder.

During their trial, Det Supt Howard said the trio had launched a "sudden and brutal attack" on Mr Heffernan, whose father Nicolas Walker described him as "a very loving, energetic, intelligent and righteous young man".

Carlos Fonseca was jailed for a minimum of 27 years, while Tuviah Thompson-Hordle was jailed for a minimum of 24 years and Charles Lynch a minimum of 20 years.

A number of officers and staff at Thames Valley Police have been awarded one of the force's highest honours, a commendation from Chief Constable Jason Hogg, for their work on the investigation.

Det Supt Andy Howard said it was "absolutely" an emotional case, explaining: "The death of a young man while he's stood outside an address, socialising, speaking to two friends."

The detective said initially they struggled to identify a motive for the stabbing.

He added: "One of the vehicles involved, we referred to as a ghost vehicle, it wasn't particularly connected or linked to anybody in particular and that in itself straight away suggested there was a pre-meditated element to the attack that night.

"Trying to understand why Reece in particular had been attacked was a real challenge."

Det Supt Howard said it was a "very different type of investigation".

He continued: "These were people that had taken significant steps to conceal their identity, the use of face coverings, the use of this ghost vehicle, clear attempts as it transpired after Reece was attacked to dispose of clothing, mobile phones, and even the weapons used in the attack on Reece."

On receiving the commendation, Det Supt Howard said it was "difficult" to take pleasure or satisfaction when the job involved investigating the loss of a life "in very tragic circumstances".

He added: "But certainly can take a sense of pride in achieving justice for Reece, his family and friends and hopefully trying to provide some reassurance to the community."

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