Former Aurora Fashions CFO detained in murder inquest

Richard Glanville, the former chief financial officer of high street fashion conglomerate Aurora Fashions, is currently caught in the middle of a murder investigation after an alleged intruder was fatally injured in his country house in Essex last month. Glanville and another man who is believed to be his gardener have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but have been released on bail until September, 4.

Ricci Gallagher, a local man who is believed to have been living in a nearby wooden cabin nearby, is said to have broken into the 2 million pound house after a fire started at his own property. According to reports, Gallagher was seen by neighbours wielding a cricket bar and smashing up Glanville's house before the businessman and his gardener tried to subdue him. Gallagher sustained injuries and was airlifted to hospital in a helicopter driven by the Duke of Cambridge, but passed away a week later.

Police believe that the fire started at the cabin and the incident at Glanville's house are linked and are currently appealing to the public for information. Three crews of firefighters spend over an hour and half trying to tackle the fire which completely destroyed the property in the woods. Investigators said they have not ruled out arson. Detective inspector Anne Cameron, from Essex Police, has confirmed the fire is being linked to the murder probe. "I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious or unusual activity during the morning of July 30," she said in an official statement. "I believe both incidents are linked and I'm keen to speak with anyone who could help us make progress with either enquiry."

Glanville formerly served as the chief financial officer for Aurora Fashions, which owned a number of fashion brands including Coast, Warehouse and Oasis. He stepped down from his role in 2013, when the company demerged its brands as individuals companies.