A 34-year-old man has been charged with the murder of one of Britain’s wealthiest men, police have said.

Millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton, 83, died on Wednesday during an incident at a property near Gillingham, Dorset.

A woman in her 60s – named in reports as Sir Richard’s wife – was seriously injured in the incident and airlifted to hospital in Bristol where she remains in a critical condition.

It is believed both victims were stabbed, Dorset Police said.

Thomas Schreiber, from Gillingham, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving.

According to reports, he was known to the victims.

He is due before magistrates in Poole on Monday.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family and all of those affected by this terrible incident.

“Following a detailed investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service.

“As a result, Dorset Police have been authorised to formally charge Thomas Schreiber with the murder of Sir Richard, attempted murder of the injured woman and dangerous driving.”

Sir Richard was listed as the UK’s 435th wealthiest person in The Sunday Times Rich List in 2020 with an estimated family fortune of £301m – a rise of £83m on the previous year.

He owned the five-star Sheraton Grand and Athenaeum hotels on London’s Park Lane.

The entrepreneur had an extensive property and farming portfolio, including the 6,500-acre Benham Estate in West Berkshire and the Stainton Estate in Lincolnshire.

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