Tony Martin, jailed for shooting teenager in 1999, has been arrested on suspicion of holding a firearm

'A police search of a property in Emneth Hungate is currently being undertaken'

Tony Martin, the farmer jailed for shooting dead a teenage burglar in 1999. (PA)

Tony Martin, the Norfolk farmer jailed for shooting dead a teenage burglar in 1999, has been arrested for possession of an illegal firearm.

Martin was initially found guilty of murdering 16 year-old Fred Barras, after shooting him dead at his home in Emneth Hungaet, Norfolk.

After appealing, it was reduced to manslaughter where he served three years in prison.

A Norfolk police spokesman said: “As part of a planned operation, a 71-year old man has been arrested in Wisbech this morning on suspicion of possession of an illegal firearm. He remains in police custody.

“A police search of a property in Emneth Hungate is currently being undertaken.”

He claimed to have been burgled ten times, which amounted to losing a reported £6,000.

The 1999 shooting provoked a widespread debate about the actions homeowners can take to defend property.