Officers search Full Sutton over death of antiques dealer

MORE than 100 officers are working to find the killer of an East Yorkshire man.

Peter Battle, a local antiques dealer, was found murdered at his home in Full Sutton on Thursday night.

Found with fatal head injuries: Peter Battle. Picture: York Press

A post mortem has revealed the 56-year-old died from head injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane, who is leading the investigation, said there was no sign of a break-in to Whisker Cottage.

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He said: "The property was fully secure when our officers arrived. All of the doors and windows were locked and there was no indication of a forced entry or exit.

"Sadly, we think Mr Battle may have died quite some time prior to us discovering the scene of the murder and we are keen to have information about any movements at the property from around the end of December last year until that time."

Mr Battle was known to deal in silver and gold and, in particular, half sovereign and sovereign rings, coins, and regularly visited auction houses in the Yorkshire area.

Det Chief Insp McFarlane said officers are exploring the possibility of the murder being linked to his profession.

He said: "We have previously made mention of the victim's occupation as an antiques dealer possibly being a significant factor in relation to his murder but, as yet, we are unclear whether this is a motive."

Mr Battle regularly used Ebay to trade goods and police are keen to trace a black and silver Advent laptop that was taken from his home.

A 26-year-old man from Norton, North Yorkshire, has been arrested, but police are still appealing for more information.