John Luper: police issue update on man arrested on suspicion of Leeds businessman’s murder
A man who was arrested as part of an investigation into the murder of John Luper more than 20 years ago has been bailed pending further enquiries.
The Leeds businessman was killed during a robbery at his home in Sandmoor Drive, Alwoodley on February 16, 2004. John, 57, was attacked by a group of masked intruders as he walked his dog near a neighbour’s driveway at about 11.30pm that day.
Mr Luper’s wife, daughter and the family’s au pair were tied up and left in an upstairs bedroom until the suspects eventually left the property. They later managed to free themselves but found Mr Luper unconscious downstairs.
Police were called at 1.45am and despite attempts to resuscitate him he was pronounced dead at the scene. Post-mortem results showed he died as a result of asphyxiation.
In a major development yesterday (April 8), officers arrested a 55-year-old man in Bradford - 22 years after the murder. He was taken into custody and interviewed but has since been bailed.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police confirmed: “A 55-year-old man arrested in Bradford yesterday on suspicion of murder has been bailed pending further enquiries.”
Speaking yesterday, Detective Superintendent Damian Roebuck, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Our investigation team are firmly committed to doing everything we can to get justice for John Luper and his family. This includes the analysis of forensic materials which I can confirm has led to today’s arrest.
“Mr Luper’s family have been updated and, while we appreciate that the arrest will understandably bring a renewed focus on the investigation, we do not anticipate any immediate developments at this stage.
“It is more than 22 years since John’s brutal murder and we are no less determined to find out who killed him. He was a prominent businessman in north Leeds so I would urge anyone who is aware of people making inquiries into him and his business dealings around the time of the murder to please come forward with names.
“Likewise, perhaps you were approached and asked to buy jewellery from unknown people around the time of the murder. This information could prove vital to our investigation.”
Jewellery and cash worth around £100,000 were taken during the robbery. Among the items taken was a rare Cartier watch that was platinum with vertical rows of diamonds either side of the face.
Enquiries into the murder of John Luper remain ongoing. Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 101 quoting Operation Ashkirk, or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat
Information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.