Suspect bailed after killing of former navy officer with his own car

The family of the former Royal Navy officer who was killed when thieves stole his car have paid tribute to “the most wonderful husband, brother and son”.

Mike Samwell, 35, suffered fatal injuries after confronting thieves who stole his black Audi S3 in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, at around 3am on Sunday.

The former navy engineer’s family urged any potential witnesses to help police with the murder investigation as detectives continue to hunt “a number of suspects”.

In a statement issued through Greater Manchester police on Tuesday, Samwell’s family said his death had “made a huge hole in our lives that can never be filled”.

The family said: “Mike was the most wonderful husband, brother and son. He would do anything for anyone and was an ever dependable and generous family member and friend to so many. He was always smiling and sharing his amazing sense of humour. We are so proud of all that Mike was and had achieved.

“Mike was devoted to his family above anything. His wife, Jess, was his one great love above all things. He was a loyal and treasured friend. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives; he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Samwell’s family said they had been blessed by the amount of support, condolences and prayers from his friends, and deeply touched by the kindness of emergency services.

They added: “This is an awful tragedy, but we all want to remember Mike as the special, kind and exceptionally talented man he was and not dwell on a senseless crime which has left us all so bereft. While his light may have been extinguished, so cruelly and far too early, the light he shone will continue to travel with us always.

“We hope and pray that other families will not suffer a loss like ours; if you have any information that could help the police in their investigations, please come forward with this.”

A 21-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of murder was released on police bail on Tuesday morning.

Samwell and his wife were woken by a loud bang at around 3am on Sunday. Police said there were shouts from the rear of the property, where the Audi was parked, and Samwell was later found with fatal injuries.

Samwell’s uncle, Cliff Blake, said Samwell’s wife saw the incident unfold yards from their house on Cranbourne Road.

“Jess saw the whole thing happen. They heard something, as someone had broken in, and Mike went downstairs to see what was going on,” he said.

“Jess followed and Mike had gone outside … the person just drove at him and killed him. Jess was there and witnessed it. It’s just horrific – she will have those images with her for the rest of her life.”

Blake added: “Mike was a lovely lad, intelligent and well liked. He was fit and sporty, a keen skier and cyclist. But there was no aggression in him at all. If only he hadn’t woken up.”

Jessica Samwell returned to the scene on Tuesday with a suitcase, accompanied by police officers and comforted by family liaison officers.