Businessman shot in head

Mr Stephenson was attacked in the grounds of his home

A wealthy businessman is recovering after being shot in the head by armed intruders in the grounds of his luxury home.

Company chairman Peter Stephenson, 55, was injured when he challenged three men he spotted in the garden of Kepwick Hall, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

One produced a hand gun and fired a shot. As Mr Stephenson grappled with the gunman a second shot went off, striking him on the head.

Detectives are continuing their search of the estate at Kepwick for clues to the identity of the raiders.

Minor injury

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thewsey, who is heading the investigation, said a 20-strong CID team was working on the inquiry.

He said: "The response has been steady but I am sure more individuals will have heard or seen something on Tuesday evening that can help us bring these dangerous men to justice."

The raiders made off in a silver Peugeot 206 belonging to Mr Stephenson's daughter Rachel, 30, who arrived home during the struggle but was unhurt.

The men were last seen fleeing through the wrought iron gates of the property towards the A19.

Mr Stephenson was taken by ambulance to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton where he was treated for a "minor injury" and kept in overnight.

Rally driver

Mr Stephenson is group chairman of Able UK Ltd (ABLE), a Teesside-based firm specialising in the rehabilitation and development of disused sites and facilities.

He also holds an international rally driving licence and finished 25th in the Network Q Rally of Great Britain in the World Rally Championship in November 2001.

Mr Stephenson - who was said to be sore and hurting - is due to give a press conference on Friday,

North Yorkshire Police said the only thing stolen was the Peugeot.