One of Britain's richest men stabbed to death at his Dorset home
Sir Richard Sutton was found dead at his property in Higher Langham near Gillingham
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
One of Britain’s richest men has been stabbed to death at his home in North Dorset.
Hotelier and millionaire, 83-year-old, Sir Richard Sutton died during an incident at his property in Higher Langham last night (Wednesday 7th April.)
A woman in her 60’s, who is believed to be Sir Richard’s wife, also suffered knife injuries and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Dorset Police were called to the scene at 7:30pm to concerns of the welfare of the occupants at the address.
The ambulance service also attended. Sir Richard was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9.15pm.
Their family has been informed and the coroner has been notified of the death.
AN ARREST HAS BEEN MADE
Police say a 34-year-old man, who was known to the victims, was arrested in the Hammersmith area of London after a vehicle was stopped by the Met Police.
The suspect, who was from the Gillingham area, was later taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Following fast-time enquiries by officers, a vehicle believed to be linked to the incident was located travelling eastbound on the A303.
With support from colleagues the vehicle was subsequently stopped in the Hammersmith area of London.
A 34-year-old man from the Gillingham area was arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The arrested man and the victims were known to each other.
The investigation into the incident is being led by detectives from Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team.
Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, who is leading the investigation, said:
“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died and the injured woman at this extremely difficult time and they are being supported by specially trained officers.
“We will be carrying out a full investigation to establish exactly what happened at the address in Higher Langham, and I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area on the evening of April 7 to please contact us.
“A cordon remains in place at the address and there will continue to be a heavy police presence in the vicinity as we carry out inquiries.
“Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”
TRIBUTES PAID
In a statement, Sir Richard Sutton Ltd said:
“We are deeply saddened and devastated by the sudden death of Sir Richard Sutton, announced this morning.
“Sir Richard was a caring, generous and warm family man, who genuinely regarded those who worked for him as part of his extended family.
“Sir Richard was passionately devoted to both his company and its people, setting the highest standards for quality in the hotel, farming and property interests within the group.
“His loss will be felt by everyone within the company, those who worked with him, and his family who have lost an incredible individual.
“Our thoughts are with the Sutton family at this tragic time.”