Guernsey Press

Man arrested over millionaire hotelier’s murder remains in hospital

Sir Richard Sutton died during an incident at his home in Dorset on Wednesday evening.

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A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering a millionaire hotelier remains in hospital, police said.

Sir Richard Sutton, who owned a string of top hotels in London, died during an incident at a property near Gillingham, Dorset.

Dorset Police said a man in his 80s suffered fatal stab wounds at a property in Higher Langham on Wednesday evening.

A woman in her 60s, named in reports as Sir Richard’s wife, was critically injured in the incident and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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