Suspected burglar, 19, ‘shot dead during break-in at remote farmhouse’ – as farmer arrested on suspicion of murder
A FARMER has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a suspected burglar was shot dead at his remote farmhouse.
Marcus Smith, 19, was discovered dead at the scene in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, yesterday morning.
Police had been called to reports of a break-in when they found the footballer.
A second teen was also found with gunshot wounds nearby and remains in hospital with serious injuries.
He has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, along with a fourth man, aged in his 20s, who was held a few hours later after a van he was travelling in was stopped by police on the A6.
The farmer, aged in his 50s, is being quizzed on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
The dad-of-four has been described as a private-school educated churchgoer.
Marcus, who leaves behind two brothers, used to play for Macclesfield Town FC.
A family member said his devastated mum Kerry, a nurse, was “grieving for her son”.
Paying tribute on social media, a friend said: “I love you more than life. RIP.”
Another posted: “Fly high.”
Horrified neighbours claim the shooting appears to be a “burglary gone wrong”.
“The farm is in a remote location, quite deep in the valley and set back from the main road.
“I suspect it was an opportunistic burglary.”
“We appreciate the impact that an incident like this can have on communities so we are grateful to all those who have helped during these early stages.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby
Another added: “Obviously, it’s shocking when something like this happens on your doorstep.
“I’ve had people ringing me asking if I’m OK.
“This is normally a sleepy, little town.”
A police cordon today remains in place around the farm in Eccles Road and at another house on the same street.
Cops confirmed they will stay in place for some time while investigations continue.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, said: “I’d like to thank the local community for all their support during this investigation so far.
“We appreciate the impact that an incident like this can have on communities so we are grateful to all those who have helped during these early stages.
“Officers will remain at the scene today and for some time to come as the investigations continue.
“If anyone does have any information, we’d ask them to please contact us, in confidence, using any of the below methods.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference 36 of 1 May.