Man arrested over hotel tycoon’s murder released from hospital

Sir Richard Sutton died on Wednesday during an incident at a property near Gillingham.
Sir Richard Sutton.
Sir Richard Sutton Ltd
John Dunne @jhdunne10 April 2021

A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering one of Britain’s richest men has been released from hospital, police said.

Sir Richard Sutton, who owned a string of top hotels in London, died on Wednesday during an incident at his mansion near Gillingham, Dorset

The 83 year-old suffered wounds with an initial post-mortem examination giving the cause of death as stab injuries to his chest.

Sir Richard’s wife Anne Schreiber, 65, was seriously injured in the incident and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where she remains in a critical condition.

Dorset Police said on Friday evening that the 34-year-old, who was known to the victims, had been taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries and had now been released.

They said the man, from the Gillighnam area, is being questioned by detectives now he is fit enough to be interviewed.

Armed Police carried out a “hard stop” in Chiswick, West London, after the man drove from Dorset to the capital following the incident.

Maureen Kane, whose home overlooks the spot where the Range Rover was stopped, told Sky News: “About 30 or 40 police cars arrived and I heard shouting. The man who was in the car was injured, with around 20 people around him shouting ‘What’s your name?’”

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the man who sadly died and the injured woman, who will continue to be updated with developments.

“A detailed and thorough investigation continues in an effort to establish the full circumstances of this utterly tragic event.”

Sir Richard was listed at number 435 in The Sunday Times Rich List in 2020 with an estimated family fortune of £301 million – a rise of £83 million on the previous year.

The guide says Sir Richard’s company owns London hotels the Sheraton Grand Park Lane and the Athenaeum, plus three smaller venues.

He had an extensive property and farming portfolio, including the 6,500-acre Benham Estate in West Berkshire and the Stainton Estate in Lincolnshire.

His loss will be felt by everyone within the company, those who worked with him, and his family who have lost an incredible individual

Sir Richard Sutton Ltd

In a statement, Sir Richard Sutton Ltd said: “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the sudden death of Sir Richard Sutton.

“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.”

Dorset Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact officers.

Witnesses should contact Dorset Police via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210054816.

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