AUDI THIEVES KILL HAVE-GO HERO WITH HIS OWN CAR
DETECTIVES IN VOW TO WIDOW OF FORMER NAVY OFFICER MOWED DOWN BY CAR THIEVES
POLICE have launched a manhunt after a former Royal Navy officer was hit and killed by own car after he disturbed thieves.
Michael Samwell, 35, was woken by a noise outside his home in Chorlton early yesterday and it is believed he discovered his black Audi S3 was being stolen. He was found where his car had been parked with serious multiple injuries and rushed to hospital – but he died at about 4am.
Police leading the murder investigation warned those responsible for his death that it was only a matter of time before they were found.
Mr Samwell, a project manager, and his wife Jessica were woken at about 3am at their home in Cranbourne Road by a loud bang and shouting. He went downstairs alone to see what was happening.
Police say they are unsure exactly what happened after he went downstairs, but believe he was hit by the Audi which had been stolen.
A post-mortem examination was taking place yesterday.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the Audi was seen driving erratically away from the scene.
It was later found abandoned on nearby Whitby Avenue in Ladybarn. Police said it had hit a kerb, which caused serious damage to a tyre in Lees Hall Crescent.
The vehicle has been recovered and was last night being combed for clues.
Crime scene investigation officers remained at Mr Samwell’s house throughout yesterday, with Cranbourne Road being sealed off for most of the day. Detectives say they are not sure how many people were in the car at the time.
But speaking at a press conference at GMP headquarters, Det Supt Jon Chadwick, of the force’s serious crime division, directly addressed the offenders.
He told the M.E.N: “You clearly know you have crossed the line here. We are going to find out who you are, so it would be better for everybody if you gave yourself up.”
He said Mr Samwell’s wife was being supported by specially-trained officers.
Det Supt Chadwick added: “I would never try and describe what anyone
goes through when this happens, because unless you have been there, you don’t know. She is with her family and family liaison officers. Clearly her world has been ripped apart.”
Mr Samwell was working as a project manager for engineering firm Atkins in Manchester.
A spokesman for the firm said: “This is a tragic event and our thoughts go out to Mike’s family, friends and colleagues. We will support the family in any way we can.” Tributes flooded in on social media. Julian Watts said: “Disgusting crime, my thoughts go to his family and friends, unimaginable.”
Tanya Davis-Walkden said: “Some horrible things going on these days. Was it all worth it, destruction of a vehicle and taking someone’s life. Just tragic. RIP.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police.
Det Supt Chadwick said: “This is the murder of an innocent man who has merely sought to protect his property from criminals. I appeal for anyone with any knowledge of what happened to come forward.
“I would particularly like to hear from people who were anywhere near Cranbourne Road at around 3am last night or have seen Michael’s car being driven erratically or abandoned shortly afterwards.
“If you know who has done this you must inform the police of what you know. We will not stop until we have found the person responsible for this dreadful crime.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.