Mike Samwell car theft death: Family proud of 'special, kind' man Published duration 25 April 2017

image copyright GMP image caption Mike Samwell was asleep at home with his wife Jessica when he was awoken by intruders

An ex-Royal Navy officer, thought to have been run over by his own car, was a "special, kind and exceptionally talented man", his family have said.

Mike Samwell, 35, was fatally injured as he tried to prevent thieves from stealing his car from outside his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday.

"Mike's death has made a huge hole in our lives that can never be filled", his family said.

A man, 21, who was held on suspicion of murder has been released on bail.

Mr Samwell's family said he "was devoted to his family above anything" and his wife, Jess, "was his one great love above all things".

He was "always smiling and sharing his amazing sense of humour" and was "a loyal and treasured friend" who "will be sorely missed", his relatives said.

"We are so proud of all that Mike was and had achieved" and "want to remember Mike as the special, kind and exceptionally talented man he was and not dwell on a senseless crime which has left us all so bereft".

image copyright Jobo89 image caption He was found badly injured outside the house in the parking area

The family appealed for information and said "the light he shone will continue to travel with us always."

Mr Samwell's black Audi S3 sports coupe was later found damaged, about three miles away from the house in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has appealed for more information from the public about a number of suspects it believes may still be outstanding.

Det Supt Jon Chadwick from GMP has urged anyone who saw a blue BMW 1 Series 5-door being "driven erratically" in the area to contact the force.

It is believed the car was also used by offenders.

He said: "We have set up a DropBox link for anyone who may have caught anything on CCTV or dashcams to send us their footage.

image copyright BBC Sport image caption His car was later found damaged about three miles from the house

"You may not think what you know is important, but it could be vital to our investigation."

Mr Samwell was asleep with his wife Jessica in their Cranbourne Road home when the intruders struck.

The former submarine officer who was a programme manager for engineering firm Atkins in Warrington, Cheshire went downstairs to investigate noises and ended up in a parking area at the rear of the house.