Terror gang 'suffocated' tycoon

Mr Luper was targeted by a gang of robbers at his luxury home

A wealthy Leeds businessman killed by a gang of robbers is thought to have died from asphyxia, a coroner heard.

John Luper, 57, was attacked by a group of four or five men as he returned to his luxury home in Sandmoor Drive, Alwoodley, after walking his pet dog.

Two post mortem examinations indicated death was due to asphyxia caused by pressure to the neck or chest, the hearing in Wakefield was told.

Coroner David Hinchliffe adjourned the inquest pending police findings.

Jewellery stolen

Det Supt William Shackleton told the inquest: "He (Mr Luper) was overpowered and dragged through a hedge to the rear of his own property then carried into his house and into the breakfast kitchen".

The raiders then attacked his wife and daughter who were asleep in their beds. They were tied up as was an au pair.

A large amount of jewellery and other property was stolen during the attack.

Mr Shackleton said that after around two hours the gang left and Mrs Iyican Luper and her daughter Liza freed themselves and discovered Mr Luper's body in their home in Sandmoor Drive, Alwoodley, Leeds.

It was extremely unlikely that it was a random attack Det Supt William Shackleton

He said two post mortem examinations indicated that death was due to asphyxia caused by pressure to the neck or chest.

Further tests are being carried out, but West Yorkshire Police are treating the death as murder with around 30 officers working on the investigation.

Police did not object to Mr Luper's body being released to his family for a funeral.

After the hearing Mr Shackleton said Mr Luper was overcome by the gang very quickly and police believe he was targeted by the raiders, saying "it was extremely unlikely that it was a random attack".