Son of farmer who ‘shot burglar dead’ launches fundraiser to cover legal costs
The son of a farmer who has been arrested after a suspected burglar was shot dead in his home has set up a fundraiser to cover his dad’s legal fees.
Rob Lomas, 50, was arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was shot dead at Mosley Hall Farm in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire on Wednesday.
Mr Lomas’s son, Joshua, has now set up a GoFundMe using the hashtag ‘freethefarmer’ – and has already raised £16,000 out of the £10,000 target.
He wrote: ‘We are raising much needed funds to support our family and my father, Rob, through this very difficult time.
‘Rob has the most steadfast loyalty you could ever wish for in a father and friend and has always been there for me, and all of his many friends.
‘As every farmer does, he works relentlessly in all weathers, but always makes time for a brew and a friendly humorous chat.
‘During the early hours of the 1st May, Rob encountered intruders inside his property, having had a burglary the night prior also. Further details are available online and I won’t duplicate.
‘Rob, Kate (his partner) and I now need help in the coming weeks. That’s why we need your kind and extremely valuable help.
‘Please donate anything you are able to – every pound is hugely appreciated.’
Police were called to reports of a break in at the property around 1.20am.
Mr Lomas was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a second teenager was found with gunshot wounds near the farmhouse.
He remains in hospital after being arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.
A man in his 20s was later arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary after the vehicle he was travelling in was stopped.
Another man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Marcus was a footballer who played for local club Chapel Town FC, and was a former pupil at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School.
Smith’s mother posted a photo of her and her son on Facebook today, which was flooded with condolence messages.
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.’
Neighbours said the incident appears to be a ‘burglary that went wrong’, with one neighbour telling the Mail: ‘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 that has gone wrong.’
Another said: ‘Obviously, it’s shocking when something like this happens on your doorstep. I’ve had people ringing me asking if I’m okay. This is normally a sleepy, little town.’
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