Hotel Murder Victim Burgled

21 December 2012, 12:17 | Updated: 21 December 2012, 12:27

Northamptonshire Police have revealed a nightclub manager found murdered in a hotel room in Corby had been burgled two days earlier.

The body of David Ross (right), who was known as Les, was found in a hotel room at The Village Inn, Corby on Monday 17 December 2012.

Police say there had been no forced entry into the room.

On Thursday 20 December, Northants Police revealed that Mr Ross's home in Chelveston Drive, Corby, was burgled overnight between Friday 14 and Saturday 15 December.

A Blackberry phone, an I-Phone 4, a Playbook and a black Samsung laptop computer were taken.
 
Taps were left running, causing water damage to the property, which the police is the likely reason Mr Ross had taken up residence in the hotel.
 
Police are keeping the house under forensic examination and detectives are trying to establish whether there is any link between the burglary and the subsequent murder of 39-year-old Mr Ross, who was involved the management of the Rubix club in Corby. He also worked as a taxi driver.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Kinchin, who is leading the investigation, said: "The death of Mr Ross and the recent burglary at his home address are both currently being investigated.
 
"I would like to hear from anyone who can account for Mr Ross's last movements or anyone who spoke to him or saw him last weekend and in the hours leading up to his death.
 
"I would like to hear of any concerns that Mr Ross might have had. Mr Ross was a well-known figure in Corby and by all accounts was well liked and respected.
 
"His body was found in the hotel room on Monday afternoon but please let us know if you had contact with him earlier in the day.
 
"We know he was working at Rubik nightclub at 2am on Monday morning and that he left the premises at that time.
 
"He parked his silver grey taxi at the Cardigan Arms public house and paid a short visit to the Village Inn public house before going to his hotel room.
 
"At that time we believe he was uninjured and it appears he had a telephone conversation with someone at 7.15am. We believe he was killed in the hotel room and there was no obvious sign of forced entry."
 
In a statement issued through Northants police, David's family said: "David (Les) was a hard-working, honest professional. He was one of life's charmers, had a very warm caring nature, with a wonderful sense of humour. David was a larger than life character and will be remembered fondly by all his friends and associates.
 
"As a family we are struggling to come to terms with this horrific loss especially at this time of year when families should be together. David has been cruelly taken from our lives and we will support the police to ensure that justice is done."