Son of farmer facing a murder probe for 'gunning down burglar after his home was broken into' launches fundraiser to cover father's legal costs - as cops continue their investigation

A fundraiser has been set up by the son of a farmer who was arrested over the fatal shooting of a suspected burglar at his farmhouse.

Rob Lomas, 50, is being questioned on suspicion of murder after Marcus Smith, 19, was found dead at the his property at Mosley Hall Farm, in Whaley Bridge, 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's son, Joshua, has set up the Gofundme appeal using the hashtag 'freethefarmer'.

He 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.

'During the early hours of the 1st May, Rob encountered intruders inside his property, having had a burglary the night prior also. Further details are available online and I won't duplicate.

'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.'

The fundraiser has already raised more than £16,000 of £10,000 target, with more than 600 people donating.

Mr Lomas was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a second teenager was found with gunshot wounds in the road near the farmhouse.

He suffered serious injuries, which are not life-threatening, and remains in hospital after being arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

A man, who is in his 20s, remains in custody after he was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary after the vehicle he was travelling in was stopped on the A6 on Wednesday afternoon.

Another man, who is in his late teens, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender.

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'.

Derbyshire Police said they received a report of burglary at the same property on on Tuesday afternoon, around 3,30pm, and they are 'keeping an open mind' if the two incidents are linked.

And they've appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, 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.'