Homeowner freed on bail over 'murder' of burglar

A businessman has been released on bail after being questioned by police in connection with the fatal stabbing of an alleged intruder at his home. Vincent Cooke, 39, was arrested on suspicion of murder after the incident in Bramhall, Stockport, on Saturday.

The dead man was formally identified yesterday as Raymond Jacob, from Wythenshawe, south Manchester. It was reported that he was found on the doorstep of Mr Cooke's house with severe knife injuries.

Mr Cooke, a director with a specialist courier firm, was bailed until 17 October for further inquiries. A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

One theory is that the Cookes may have been targeted for their gold Maserati sports car and Range Rover.

Chief Superintendent Rebekah Sutcliffe, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Due to the nature of the incident, we understand that people will have strong opinions on this subject and this remains a matter of national debate.

"However, I want to stress that my officers have to operate within the law and our primary aim is to establish exactly what happened that night."