Widow's appeal over death at millionaire former fashion executive's farmhouse
The widow of a man killed at a farmhouse belonging to a millionaire former fashion executive has urged witnesses to contact police.
Ricci Gallagher, 46, died after being injured at the house in Little Burstead, Essex, earlier this month.
The property in Sudburys Farm Road is owned by Richard Glanville, the ex-chief financial officer for Aurora Fashions, which owned clothing stores Oasis, Warehouse and Coast until 2013.
Mr Glanville is one of two men initially questioned by Essex Police in connection with the suspected murder.
In a tribute to her husband, Linda Gallagher said the couple had recently moved to the area hoping to start a "new phase" of their lives.
She added: "Ricci was a very kind, considerate person with a great zest for life and was liked by all who met him. He was easy going and good fun to be with.
"Ricci and I had a very happy marriage and were excited about the new phase in our lives with the move to Little Burstead and the prospect of building our new home there.
"The tragic events that have unfolded from the day of the fire at our home ... have left me and my family devastated.
"I would ask for anyone who can help the police with this inquiry to do so and finally ask that we now be left to come to terms with this terrible tragedy and grieve in private."
A fire at Mr Gallagher's home, roughly half a mile from the murder scene, was reported minutes before he was found injured in the farmhouse on August 6, the force said.
Officers are trying to establish a link between the two incidents.
The Essex Police investigation is focusing on what Mr Gallagher was doing at the farmhouse.
It is understood one line of inquiry is that Mr Glanville and his gardener may have tried to remove Mr Gallagher from the property after finding him inside.
Mr Gallagher was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital where he died from head injuries.
Detectives are looking to speak to witnesses who may have seen any "suspicious or unusual activity" in the area.
They are particularly keen to trace the drivers of a lorry and a Vauxhall car seen in the area between 9am and 9.30am that day.
The force confirmed two men, aged 59 and 53, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Witnesses should contact Detective Inspector Anne Cameron of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 101, email at scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
