Man arrested over millionaire hotelier’s murder released from hospital
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A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering a millionaire hotelier 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 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.
An initial post-mortem examination indicated that the cause of death was stab wounds to his chest, the force added.
A woman in her 60s, named in reports as Sir Richard’s wife, 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 and was arrested in west London and taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, had now been released.
The force also said the man, who is from the Gillingham area, was assisting detectives with their inquiries.
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
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.
