Fatally Stabbed 'Burglar' Named By Police

A suspected burglar who was stabbed to death after allegedly breaking into a house has been named by police as John Leonard Bennell.

A father and son have been arrested on suspicion of murdering the 27-year-old from Hyde, Manchester.

Pete Flanagan, 59, and his son Neil, 27, were held by police after four masked men tried to break into the house in Salford.

A 21-year-old woman - thought to be the younger man's girlfriend - made a 999 call from the property and was also held on suspicion of murder.

Bennell was stabbed at least once during the incident in Ethel Avenue at around midnight on Wednesday.

The group are thought to have been disturbed as they began their attempted raid by trying to smash through the back door.

Bennell was apparently carried away from the address by the other gang members as they fled. He died later in hospital.

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.

The incident happened days after David Cameron vowed to bring in stronger measures to protect people who are forced to defend their property .

Salford Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan, added: "Clearly this is a shocking incident and a man has lost his life.

"However, I can reassure the community that we will thoroughly investigate what happened and do not believe that members of the public are at risk."

At a news conference later, he refused to be drawn into commenting on the current law about how far homeowners can go to protect their own property.

"We are investigating this matter within the legal framework as it stands and I don't want to speculate on political matters at this stage," he said.

"If somebody was confronted by a burglar tonight, I would tell them to ring the police and use reasonable force to protect themselves."

Speaking about his proposals to change the law earlier this week, Mr Cameron said: "We will put beyond doubt that homeowners and small shopkeepers who use reasonable force to defend themselves or their properties will not be prosecuted."

Currently, people facing a threat from burglars can only act if they fear for their lives.

It was one of several proposals announced by the Prime Minister this week as he took a tougher stance on law and order, appeasing the Tory right.

The change is expected to be introduced into the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offences Bill within the next few months.