Millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton stabbed to death

Sir Richard Sutton, one of the UK’s richest men and a famed hotelier, has been stabbed to death at his home in Dorset, police have confirmed. 

Sutton was pronounced dead at his mansion near Gillingham, Dorset, at 21:15 on Wednesday (7 April). One of the UK’s richest men, he owned a number of top hotels, including the freehold of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane and the Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair.

A woman in her 60s, believed to be his wife, was also stabbed and airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where she remains in a critical condition.

Following fast-time enquiries by Dorset police, a vehicle believed to be linked to the incident was located travelling eastbound on the A303, and subsequently stopped in the Hammersmith area of London.

A 34-year-old man was then arrested on suspicion of murder and subsequently taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. 

Police confirmed that the arrested man and the victims were known to each other.

An investigation into the incident is now being led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of MCIT, 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 Wednesday 7 April 2021 to please contact us.”

He added: “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 enquiries. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”