Daughter of millionaire found dead in home
 

Police launched a murder inquiry yesterday after the daughter of one of Britain's richest men was found dead at her home.
Suzy Healey, 39, the mother of two teenage daughters, is thought to have lived alone at Ellerker Hall, near South Cave, East Yorkshire.

She was the daughter of Malcolm Healey, who is estimated to be worth £700m.

He built up his Hygena kitchen business and sold it to MFI for £200m in 1987. He then created a similar business in the US, which he later sold for £800m.

His brother Eddie made a fortune in property deals and developed the Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield with Paul Sykes. It was sold for £1.17bn in 1999 and Eddie is believed to have made £420m on the deal.
The brothers, 21st on the Sunday Times rich list, are said to have left school at 16 to become painters and decorators but gave up because they did not like the smell of paint.

Police found Ms Healey's body in the hall of her home after being called by a friend who could get no reply at the house.

A postmortem examination was due to take place last night, with family members expected to formally identify the body.

Officers in North Yorkshire yesterday arrested a man in Scarborough on suspicion of murder.

Police cordoned off the large white mansion which runs along the length of the village green in Ellerker yesterday as a forensic examination began at the scene. Ms Healey is believed to have run the house with the help of a gardener and cleaner.

Her daughters, who attend boarding schools, were not in the house when she died.

Neighbours said she dedicated her life to animals in need. She looked after goats, rabbits and chickens and had hoped to open a centre for children with disabilities so that they could have access to her animal sanctuary.

Nicola Baker, 34, said the news of her death had shocked the village. "This would be terrible anywhere but it is normally very quiet here. It's such a peaceful village and a real community area.

"This is the last thing we'd expect. I often used to see her around the village and she was always full of life and seemed to enjoy herself."

Peter Needler, 70, said: "It's normally very quiet and sleepy here so it was a big shock when we saw the police and realised it was happening.

"I knew her as a neighbour and she was very cheery and always had a smile for you. She would mix with anyone, she loved her animals and was very kind."

Another resident, who would not be named, said: "She really wasn't the sort to be telling everyone her business.

"She was pleasant and would often smile but would keep herself to herself.

"She could be a bit eccentric and would even walk her donkeys around the village. This is the last person I would have thought this would happen to. It just goes to show that all that money cannot protect you."

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