Footballer named as suspected burglar shot dead by farmer during botched break-in

This is the first picture of a suspected burglar who was shot dead by a farmer during a botched break-in.

Nineteen-year-old Marcus Smith has been named locally as the person who died after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds yesterday.

Police received reports of a burglary at a property in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire at around 1.30am on Wednesday. Local footballer Smith was found inside the property and another person was found with serious injuries on the road outside.

Smith's mum Kerry, who works as a nurse, confirmed his identity after uploading a picture of her and her son on her Facebook page. Heartbroken friends were quick to comment, reports the Mirror. One wrote: "We are so shocked and so heartbroken, nothing can express how deeply sorry we are."

A local pub where Smith was a resident DJ has also shared a tribute in the wake of his death.

It read: "Myself and All the staff at the Shoulder of Mutton, Chapel en le Frith would like send our utmost deepest sympathy's and condolences to the Family and Friends of Marcus Smith , he was a Resident Dj here and we are devastated at your loss he was much loved by everyone who met him, he was a funny, polite, well mannered, charming young man who will be extremely missed by everyone, our thoughts, wishes and prayers to you all. From everyone at the Shoulder all our love..."

Part of the road has been cordoned off whilst investigations are carried out after Police confirmed they have now launched a murder investigation.

The surviving suspect, who was rushed to hospital for treatment, has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

Police stopped another suspect in a vehicle on the A6, near Chapel-en-le-Frith, several hours later. The farmer has been arrested for murder and attempted murder. Detectives are still questioning him.

The incident has been referred to as a "burglary gone wrong" by concerned neighbours. A local woman told MailOnline: "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 neighbour added: "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."

Derbyshire Police Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby told the publication: "We appreciate the impact this incident is having on this small rural community and we'd like to thank local residents for their help with this investigation so far."

"We are aware there has been some speculation locally around this and, while we are in the early stages of the investigation, we believe this is a targeted incident. At this stage we don't believe there is any wider risk to the public.

"Residents in the area will see an increased police presence in the area for some time as investigations continue and we will provide further updates as soon as we are able. In the meantime, I'd ask anyone who has any information to please contact us, in confidence."

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