Police have launched a fresh appeal to find the murderer of a soldier who died rescuing his family from an arson attack in Battersea 33 years ago.

Neville Richards, a lance corporal in the Army, was on leave for Christmas 1982 when petrol was poured under the door of his family home at Ramsey House in Maysoule Road.

The 22-year-old, known as Noddy, was asleep with his wife Martina in the lounge of the flat when the attack happened at 6.30am on Boxing Day.

Mr Richards awoke as the fire spread and ran to help his mother in the bedroom. She and his stepfather climbed onto a balcony and were rescued by the fire brigade, who had been alerted to the blaze.

His wife, 20, jumped to safety from the lounge window but Mr Richards was overcome by fumes and collapsed in the hallway. Firefighters kicked down the front door but could not save him.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation but later released with no further action.

Nobody has ever been charged with the murder and a review in 2012 failed to solve the case.

Police are now appealing again for witnesses and information, with his widow remaining desperate for answers about what happened.

Detective Inspector Susan Stansfield, of the Met's special casework investigation team, said: "Noddy was a decent young man who had built himself a promising career in the Army and was popular among his comrades.

"He was home for the festive season and had spent Christmas Day with his family before the horrific events of the following morning.

"Noddy put the safety of his family ahead of his own and sadly he was overcome by fumes before he could get out of the flat himself."

Det Iinsp Stansfield added: "It was a long time ago but I'm sure lots of people in the local area would remember Noddy's murder.

“Did you live in the Maysoule Road area? Did you see or hear anything suspicious in the early morning of Boxing Day 1982? Someone perhaps with a petrol can?

"In the weeks or months following the fire, did you hear any talk in the local area? If you have any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it might be, please come forward.

“Maybe you didn't contact police at the time as you were too scared but with the passage of time now feel able to tell us what you know in confidence.

"Noddy had a loving family and it's heartbreaking that three decades on they still haven't seen his killer brought to justice."

His wife, now Martina Lewis and living in Hampshire, said: "After 33 years the pain of Noddy's loss remains as painful as ever.

"Noddy was a lovely, caring and gentle human being who was also extremely fit as he loved his sports and running marathons. He was denied a life with family and friends, having children, grandchildren and a whole life full of opportunities.

"There's not one day that goes by that I don't think of Noddy. Some little things make me remember him in a funny way, but when my own son turned 22 years of age I looked at him and it hit me like a ton of bricks that that was the age Noddy got killed.

"Because of all this I appeal to anyone from the bottom of my heart who knows anything, no matter how small, to listen to their conscience so the person who did this awful crime can be brought to justice. I didn't even get to say 'goodbye' to Noddy or hug him one last time."

Anyone with information should call police on 020 7230 4294 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.