Farmer arrested for ‘shooting dead suspected teen burglar’ reported another raid at remote farmhouse just hours earlier
A FARMER arrested on suspicion of shooting a “burglar” dead had reported another raid at his farmhouse just ten hours earlier.
Rob Lomas, 50, was held after Marcus Smith, 19, was discovered dead at the scene in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, on Wednesday morning.
Police had been called to reports of a break-in during the early hours when they found the footballer dead.
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 person, 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.
It has now emerged Lomas, who is being quizzed on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, had reported being robbed just ten hours earlier.
Derbyshire Police confirmed they were called to the farmhouse at 3.30pm on Tuesday.
The investigation was continuing when Lomas was allegedly targeted a second time at 1.20am on Wednesday.
A force spokesperson said: “At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked.”
Divorced dad-of-four Lomas has been described as a privately-educated churchgoer.
His horrified neighbours believe the shooting appeared to be a “burglary gone wrong”.
One said: “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.”
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.”
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.”
A police cordon 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.
