Son’s fundraiser for farmer in murder probe tops £50,000

A fundraiser set up to support the family of a farmer accused of shooting dead a suspected burglar has raised more than £50,000 in just a few days.

Rob Lomas, 50, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after 19-year-old Marcus Smith was shot dead at a Peak District farm.

Derbyshire Police were called to reports of a burglary in Eccles Road, Whaley Bridge, at 1.20am on Wednesday 1 May.

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Officers attended the scene and found Mr Smith with fatal gunshot wounds and another teen with a gunshot wound nearby.

Mr Smith was a former pupil at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School who played for a local football club and was a DJ at a pub.

The second man who was found with a gunshot wound was taken to hospital where he remains. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Derbyshire Police said three other men arrested in connection with the burglary have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Mr Lomas has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He has been bailed pending further investigations.

His son Joshua has set up a GoFundMe online fundraiser to support the family “through this difficult time”.

£52,000 raised

By Tuesday morning (7 May), the fundraiser had raised more than £52,000. It is understood the family intends to use the money to fund the cost of legal fees.

Organiser Joshua Lomas said: “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 1 May, Rob encountered intruders inside his property, having had a burglary the night prior also. 

“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.”

‘Nice bloke’

A friend of the family told Farmers Weekly that Mr Lomas is a former student at Harpers Adams University in Shropshire who is well-liked and a respected farmer.

“You could not meet a nicer person than Rob. He’s just a well brought up person who is kind-hearted and well mannered,” said the friend.

Derbyshire Police have appealed to witnesses or anyone with information on this incident to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website.