Police have named the man who was found dead in his home in Highfield in the early hours of Saturday morning as 63-year-old Thomas Baird.
Forensic examination has established that the victim did not die as a result of the fire, but was killed by trauma injuries to his head and neck and stab wounds to the chest.
Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Joint Major Crime Unit are continuing their investigation into the blaze in Westerdale, which was reported just after midnight.
Det Chief Insp Mark Ross, who is leading the investigation, said: “His family are understandably extremely upset by the events this weekend and we are providing support to them.
“I know this type of incident can cause a lot of concern in the community but I would reassure people that we believe the victim and the suspect knew each other.”
A 30-year-old man from Hemel Hempstead who was arrested on Saturday remains in police custody on suspicion of murder.
Anyone with information should contact the Major Crime Unit via the non-emergency number 101.
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