A respected company director has been murdered in his home just months after his wife lost her battle with cancer, in what police believe was a targeted burglary that turned deadly.
Andrew Webster, 61, was discovered with fatal injuries at his £800,000 property in the affluent village of Ashley, Cheshire, on Tuesday afternoon. The tragedy comes only months after his wife, Heather Webster, passed away following a courageous fight against cancer.
A Community in Shock
Neighbours and friends have been left reeling by the double tragedy that has struck the Webster family. Mr Webster, who ran the successful property maintenance company AEW Services, was described as a "lovely man" who was still grieving the loss of his wife.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, expressed the community's devastation: "It's absolutely horrific. Andrew was such a decent man who had already been through so much with his wife's illness. To have this happen is just unimaginable."
Police Investigation Underway
Cheshire Police have launched a murder investigation and are treating the death as suspicious. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell confirmed that officers were called to the property following concerns for Mr Webster's welfare.
"This is a tragic incident where a man has lost his life in horrific circumstances," DCI Blackwell stated. "We believe this was a targeted incident and are following several lines of enquiry."
Key Details of the Case
- Victim discovered on Tuesday afternoon at his Cheshire home
- Police treating death as murder following post-mortem results
- Forensic teams have conducted extensive searches of the property
- Investigators believe property may have been targeted by burglars
- Family members too distressed to speak publicly at this time
A Life Cut Short
Andrew Webster was the sole director of AEW Services, a company specialising in property maintenance and refurbishment across northwest England. Colleagues described him as a dedicated businessman who had built his company from the ground up.
The Websters had lived in their detached home in Ashley for many years, with the village being known as one of Cheshire's most desirable locations. The couple were well-known and respected members of the local community.
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who may have noticed suspicious activity in the Ashley area between Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon.
DCI Blackwell added: "We're keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the area, or who has information that could assist our investigation. No piece of information is too small."
The investigation continues as forensic teams remain at the scene, while family friends have begun organising support for Mr Webster's grieving relatives who face dealing with two devastating losses in such a short time.
