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6 months ago
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A farmer who was arrested accused of shooting a suspected burglar has been released on police bail - as fundraiser to pay for his legal fees reaches over £40,000.
Rob Lomas, 50, was arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at his farmhouse in Derbyshire, on Wednesday morning.
Police were called to reports of a break-in at a property on the farm at around 1.20am.
Mr Lomas was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a second teenager, who was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, was found with gunshot wounds in the road near the farmhouse.
The farmer has now been released on bail, the Sun reported.
Derbyshire Police said yesterday that investigations continue and that three men who were arrested in connection with the burglary have also been bailed.
It comes as the fundraiser page, set up by Mr Lomas's son Joshua, has hit £41,000.
Rob Lomas, 50, (pictured) was arrested on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at his farmhouse in Derbyshire, on Wednesday morning
Marcus Smith (pictured), 19, was found dead on Wednesday
It comes as the fundraiser page , set up by Mr Lomas's son Joshua, has hit £41,000
The GoFundMe page uses the hashtag 'freethefarmer' and 2,000 donations.
Joshua wrote: 'We are raising much needed funds to support our family and my father, Rob, through this very difficult time.
'Rob has the most steadfast loyalty you could ever wish for in a father and friend and has always been there for me, and all of his many friends.
'As every farmer does, he works relentlessly in all weathers, but always makes time for a brew and a friendly humorous chat.
'Rob, Kate (his partner) and I now need help in the coming weeks. That's why we need your kind and extremely valuable help.
'Please donate anything you are able to - every pound is hugely appreciated.'
Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to Marcus on social media.
He's been described as the 'loveliest boy' and 'sweet and polite', and someone who 'lit up every room he entered'.
The GoFundMe page uses the hashtag 'freethefarmer' and 2,000 donations
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, previously said: 'I'd like to thank the local community for all their support during this investigation so far.
'We appreciate the impact that an incident like this can have on communities so we are grateful to all those who have helped during these early stages.
'Officers will remain at the scene today and for some time to come as the investigations continue.
'If anyone does have any information, we'd ask them to please contact us, in confidence, using any of the below methods.'
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