A suspected robber has been shot dead during an attempted break-in at a property in Hemsworth, West Yorkshire, with the homeowner arrested on suspicion of murder as two accomplices face conspiracy charges.
Connor Batty, 26, from Barnsley, died after being shot when he and two other men forced entry into a house on Barnsley Road at 9.39pm on Thursday, 11 September. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a firearm was discharged during the incident, resulting in Batty’s death at the scene.
The 60-year-old homeowner was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody whilst detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. The incident has reignited debate about the use of force against intruders in British homes.
Two men aged 25 and 23 were arrested in the Barnsley area on Friday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and remain in custody. Police confirmed that three people, including Batty, had attended the property and forced entry before the shooting occurred.
Senior investigating officer Chief Inspector Matt Holdsworth said: “This is a very serious incident which has sadly resulted in a young man losing his life. Connor’s family are being offered specialist support as our investigation continues.”
The case raises complex questions about self-defence laws in England, where homeowners are permitted to use “reasonable force” against intruders but face potential prosecution if that force is deemed excessive. Under current legislation, property owners can defend themselves, their family and their property, but the level of force must be proportionate to the threat faced.
Armed police units responded to multiple 999 calls reporting a disturbance at the property, with a second call specifically alerting officers that a firearm had been discharged. Officers discovered Batty deceased at the rear of the building upon arrival.
“I understand that there will be some concern in the local community and I want to reassure people that this was an isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it,” Chief Inspector Holdsworth added.
Detectives are particularly keen to trace a silver Peugeot Partner van which was found burnt out on Dove Valley Way in Barnsley at around 11pm on Thursday evening, approximately ninety minutes after the shooting. The vehicle is believed to be connected to the attempted robbery.
The incident occurred in a residential area of Hemsworth, a town situated between Barnsley and Wakefield. Local Neighbourhood Policing teams have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to residents following the shooting.
Family liaison officers are supporting Batty’s relatives as the investigation continues. The young man’s death marks a tragic end to what police describe as a planned criminal enterprise that went catastrophically wrong.
Under UK law, the Crown Prosecution Service must determine whether any use of force was “grossly disproportionate” when deciding whether to pursue murder or manslaughter charges against someone who kills an intruder. The law recognises that people under extreme stress may not be able to make fine judgements about the level of force necessary.
The case echoes previous high-profile incidents where homeowners have faced legal action after confronting intruders. In 2018, pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks was initially arrested on suspicion of murder after stabbing a burglar who died from his injuries, though charges were later dropped.
Chief Inspector Holdsworth appealed for witnesses: “I am still keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at around 9.30pm on Thursday, or who may have CCTV or ring doorbell footage that could help with the investigation.”
He specifically requested information about the silver Peugeot Partner van, asking anyone who may have footage of the vehicle in the Barnsley Road area of Hemsworth or later that evening in the Dove Valley Way area of Barnsley to come forward.
The burnt-out van’s discovery suggests the surviving suspects may have attempted to destroy evidence following their escape from the scene. The timing and location of the vehicle fire, occurring within the same evening as the shooting, forms a crucial part of the police investigation.
Local residents expressed shock at the violent incident in their normally quiet neighbourhood. The property on Barnsley Road sits in a residential area of Hemsworth, with house prices in the street averaging £87,500 according to recent data.
The investigation has prompted renewed discussion about the rights of homeowners to defend their property. Current guidance states that anyone can use reasonable force to protect themselves or others if a crime is taking place inside their home. This includes using an object as a weapon or stopping an intruder running off by tackling them.
However, the law draws a line at “grossly disproportionate” force. Homeowners cannot use force if the intruder is running away, and the force used must be reasonable in the circumstances as the person honestly believed them to be at the time.
The case continues to develop as detectives piece together the events that led to the fatal confrontation. Police have established a crime scene at the property whilst forensic teams gather evidence that will be crucial in determining whether criminal charges will proceed.
West Yorkshire Police have urged anyone with information to contact them via their LiveChat facility online or by calling 101, quoting log 1879 of 11 September. Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both homeowners and criminals when confrontations occur during break-ins. With three arrests made and a murder investigation underway, the case will likely prompt further debate about the balance between protecting property and the proportionate use of force.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about what exactly transpired inside the Hemsworth property that led to a planned robbery ending in death. The answers may have significant implications not just for those involved, but for broader discussions about self-defence laws in Britain.
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