ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

The High Sheriff of Cornwall has died in a shooting incident at his home, his family said.

Aristocrat Anthony Fortescue, 69, was found at Boconnoc House, on the 7,500-acre Boconnoc estate near Lostwithiel in east Cornwall, around noon on Monday.

Mr Fortescue's wife Elizabeth released a statement saying: "Our daughters Clare and Sarah and I are so proud of all that Anthony created at Boconnoc. We and all the team at Boconnoc will miss him so deeply."

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were investigating but were not treating the death as suspicious.

The estate came to the Fortescue family in the 19th century, but fell into disrepair after being used by US forces during the second world war.

Although Boconnoc House had been in the family for 300 years it had not been lived in for 30 years before the High Sheriff and his wife made it their home 1997 and began the mammoth restoration task, which took a decade to complete, and led to the pair winning awards for their efforts.

Colonel Edward Bolitho, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, paid tribute to a "family man and a true gentleman" who had played an important role in Cornish life for many years.

Col Bolitho said: "During his year as High Sheriff, although plagued by ill-health, Anthony did a great deal, including recently driving a flock of sheep across Tower Bridge to raise money for charity, in pursuance of an ancient right.

"The day before he died he had spent the whole day attending Remembrance services in Bodmin, Truro and Carbis Bay.

"Anthony achieved an enormous amount in his life and was much-loved by all who knew him. He was a family man and a true gentleman. He will be very much missed but his achievements will live on."

Cornwall Council chairman Ann Kerridge added: "I am saddened to learn of the death of Anthony Fortescue, the High Sheriff.

"I have been fortunate to spend time with him at many civic events during the year at which he was always gracious and welcoming - a true gentleman."

In September the Eton-educated aristocrat caused a stir in London when he exercised his right as high sheriff of Cornwall to drive sheep over London Bridge.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "We received reports just before midday on Monday November 9 of an incident involving a firearm at the Boconnoc Estate in Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

"A 69-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin has been informed.

"Police are currently investigating the matter but are not treating the death as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner."