Mown down and killed by thieves stealing his car
SENSELESS KILLERS HUNTED BY COPS Friends pay tribute to ‘gentleman’ Mike after death outside his home
A FORMER Royal Navy officer was killed as he tried to stop thieves stealing his car.
Michael Samwell, 35, was left with multiple injuries when he was run over by the crooks in the early hours of yesterday.
The engineer was found lying in a parking area behind his house and was pronounced dead in hospital.
Investigator Det Supt Jon Chadwick said: “This is the murder of an innocent man who has merely sought to protect his property from criminals. We will not stop until we have found the person responsible.”
He said Michael and wife Jessica woke to a “loud noise” outside their home in Chorlton, Manchester.
His £35,000 Audi S3 was seen being driven away before striking a kerb. The car was later abandoned about three miles away with its front wheel damaged.
Det Supt Chadwick, of Greater Manchester Police’s serious crime division, told those responsible to hand themselves in. He added: “You clearly know you have crossed the line here.”
Speaking of Michael’s wife, he said: “Her world has been ripped apart. I would never try to describe what anyone goes through when this happens, because unless you have been there, you don’t know.”
Michael’s friend Edward Ridding, from Liverpool, described him as “a true gentleman”.
He said: “He adored his wife and the ground on which she stood.
“I know I speak for all his friends when I say, ‘Mike. we love you and always will’.”
The local community was in shock last night. Michael is believed to have only recently moved to the area.
Nabhan Nayyar, 22, said: “I did hear a bang and screaming but I didn’t think anything of it being a Saturday night.”
James Ralph, 22, said: “What has happened is frightening. His poor wife must be distraught.”
Reverend Mike Walsh of the United Reformed Church left flowers at the scene. He said: “We’re deeply shocked and saddened.”
Michael joined the Royal Navy in 2002, serving on submarines.