Farmer run down and killed by fleeing thieves

A farmer was killed in a burglary that went tragically wrong after he confronted a gang trying to break into his outbuildings, police said today.

Julian Gardner, 52, is thought to have been run down by a gang after he tried to stop them fleeing his property.

Detectives appealed for information today saying Mr Gardner probably disturbed burglars as they tried to break into sheds which stored Land Rovers at his farm in Robertsbridge, East Sussex. The farmer was found sprawled on the ground nearby and police say he could have been there for some time.

Two cars were found abandoned a few miles away and were being examined for links to the burglary.

Police said they still did not know exactly how he died. They believe there were at least two intruders.

Friends of Mr Gardner told of their anger today that he had been left for dead. His former cleaner, who did not want to be named, said: "He was a friend to all of us who lived locally it's devastating news and a huge shock for everyone."

Mr Gardner ran a vehicle business at Bush Barn Farm, where his 90-year-old widowed mother also lives.

Another villager said: "I think that he's been targeted by thieves before so I can understand why he's tried to stop them."