Police believe Julian Gardner was killed during a burglary that went wrong Police believe a man who was found dead at his farm was murdered during a burglary that went “tragically wrong”.
The body of Julian Gardner, 52, was found near his home at Bush Barn Farm, off the A21 north of Robertsbridge, at about 0800 BST on Monday.
Sussex Police think he may have been murdered after he disturbed thieves in outbuildings on his farm.
The force is investigating whether cars discovered abandoned a few miles from the site were used during the incident.
Det Ch Insp Adam Hibbert said: “We are treating this as a murder inquiry and believe that this was a burglary that went wrong, with tragic consequences.
“Julian Gardner possibly disturbed an unknown number of people forcing outbuildings where he ran an agricultural and car repair business.
“The space he leaves will never be filled”
Tribute from Molly Gardner and Anna Murphy
“He was found near the buildings by his business partner just after 0800 BST on Monday.
“How he died is yet to be established and a post mortem is due to take place late this afternoon.”
He added: “We are investigating the discovery of a couple of cars – Land Rover and Jeep – that we found abandoned a few miles from the site yesterday but any possible connection to this incident is still being assessed.
“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with Julian’s family. We do not know who is responsible. We rely on the public to come forward.”
Police said Mr Gardner ran an agricultural and car repair business at the farm.
Police were called to the farm after the body was discovered by a colleague of the victim A tribute from his family said their lives would never be the same again.
In a statement released through Sussex Police, Mr Gardner’s mother Molly Gardner and his sister Anna Murphy said: “Julian was our son, brother and dear friend and nothing will ever be the same in our lives without him.
“He had so much more living to do. If only he had known how many people have had their lives enriched by knowing him.
“He was so honest, so dependable, funny, loyal and hard-working.
“The space he leaves will never be filled.”
A spokeswoman for the National Farmers Union (NFU) said local members had been warned to be “extra vigilant” following the incident.
She added: “He was not an NFU member but he was well-known locally. Rural crime is a concern in the South East and our members will be extra vigilant.
“We send our sympathies to Mr Gardner’s family and the community.”
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