A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man and woman were found with alleged stab wounds.

The male victim, aged in his 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the injured woman, in her 60s, was airlifted to hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

It has now been confirmed that the man who died was millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton.

After leaving the scene and being located in London, a 34-year-old was arrested in connection with the attack.

The arrested man and the victims were known to each other.

Dorset Police was alerted at around 7.30pm last night, April 7, after concerns were raised for the welfare of occupants at an address in Higher Langham, near Gillingham.

Officers attended the site where they found the man and woman with serious injuries. It is believed both had sustained stab wounds.

The ambulance service also attended, and the injured man was pronounced dead at around 9.15pm. 

A vehicle believed to be linked to the muder was located travelling eastbound on the A303.

With support from Wiltshire Police, Hampshire Constabulary, Thames Valley Police, Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police, the vehicle was stopped in the Hammersmith area of London.

A man from the Gillingham area was arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. 

The investigation into the incident is being led by detectives from Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of MCIT, said residents should expect a heavy police presence in the area.

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

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