Man in Dando case free without charge

A MAN arrested by detectives investigating the murder of the television presenter Jill Dando was released without charge last night. It is understood that the man was arrested after a telephone tip-off from a member of the public.

He was taken yesterday from his home in central London and questioned at an unnamed police station. When they announced the arrest, officers indicated they did not consider the man a likely suspect for the shooting.

The development comes a month after Ms Dando, 37, was shot dead on the doorstep of her London home. Police say there is no clear motive for the murder though they believe a former acquaintance or a stalker are the most likely suspects.

The prime suspect is a well-dressed man seen leaving Ms Dando's home in Fulham moments after she was shot. He was later spotted sweating heavily while boarding a bus. Police believe he had at least one accomplice.

Despite many sightings of the man, and of a possible accomplice driving a blue Range Rover, police have had no apparent breaks. Earlier this week a murder review team was brought in to look into the handling of the hunt.

In a separate development Sir Cliff Richard has agreed to perform in a special tribute concert in memory of Ms Dando. The veteran performer has confirmed he will sing at the fund-raising event for the Weston Hospicecare charity in Weston-super-Mare, of which the presenter was patron.

In a letter printed in The Weston and Somerset Mercury, the newspaper where Ms Dando was a trainee reporter, Sir Cliff wrote: "The work which Jill supported must go on, if possible with renewed vigour and commitment."