New plea over murder of businessman (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

New plea over murder of businessman

10:00am Saturday 16th February 2013 in News

Murder detectives have renewed their appeal to catch those responsible for the death of businessman John Luper (above), who died following a robbery at his home in Leeds nine years ago this week.

Detectives have previously said that they believed professional criminals from Bradford and Liversedge, involved in robbery and organised drug dealing, were responsible for the attack.

Now Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), has re-appealed for help in bringing the killers to justice. He stressed that any information would be dealt with in confidence.

Speaking outside Mr Luper’s former home on Sandmoor Drive in the Alwoodley area of Leeds yesterday, Det Chief Insp Atkinson, said: “The attack on the Luper family was a targeted and planned robbery that needlessly took the life of a father, husband and brother, and subjected three women to a horrific ordeal they continue to come to terms with.”

Mr Luper, 57, was found dead by his family in the kitchen of his house in the early hours of February 17, 2004.

Jewellery and cash worth around £100,000 was taken during the robbery. Among the pieces of jewellery was a rare Cartier watch, one of only four that were sold in the UK around the time.