Michael Samwell murder: Man arrested after former Naval officer run over by his own car during burglary

A man has been arrested over the murder of a former Royal Navy officer who was run over by his own car during a burglary.

Michael Samwell, 35, confronted intruders who broke into his home in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, as he slept upstairs with his wife, Jessica, at about 3am on Sunday.

He was found badly injured in a parking area at the rear of the house and died an hour later in hospital after being run over by his black Audi S3.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said on Monday they had arrested a suspect.

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Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division said: ‘We have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with Michael Samwell’s senseless murder.

‘Our investigation is still in its early stages and we are still appealing for the public to help us.

‘My thoughts continue to be with Mike’s family and friends at this devastating time.’

Police said the man is being held on suspicion of murder.

Mr Samwell had gone downstairs to investigate after being woken by a loud bang.

He went to the back of the property where loud shouting was heard and his body was found after being apparently hit by the car as it sped away.

The Audi sports coupe was found badly damaged and abandoned three miles away in Whitby Avenue in the Ladybarn area of the city.

Mr Samwell trained as a naval officer at Britannia Royal Naval College in Devon and spent around a decade in the senior service before leaving in 2014.

He worked as a project manager at an engineering company.

Police said his wife and family have been left ‘devastated’ by his death.

Detective Superintendent Chadwick said: ‘This is the murder of an innocent man who has merely sought to protect his property from criminals.’

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