A former top fashion retail boss has been questioned in connection with the death of a man at his luxury south Essex farmhouse.

It has emerged Richard Glanville, 59, former chief financial officer for the owner of Oasis, Warehouse and Coast high street store chains, was one of those arrested after an incident at his home in Sudbury’s Farm Road, Little Burstead, last month.

Ricci Gallagher, 46, died a week after he suffered serious head injuries at Mr Glanville’s home.

Police are linking the attack to a fire at Mr Gallagher’s wooden hut in nearby Blind Lane, which destroyed the hut and damaged his car.

A 53-year-old Basildon man was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was bailed along with Mr Glanville until September 4.

Police are still guarding Mr Gallagher’s home, known as Viva Place, which had no mains electricity and was surrounded by dense woodland.

Piles of rubbish, a burnt-out car, numerous bins and a makeshift patio are still outside the gutted house.

Until 2013, Mr Glanville was the chief financial officer of high street clothing firm Aurora Fashions, which owned Oasis, Warehouse and Coast.

The three brands were split into individual companies two years ago.

A neighbour, who lives in nearby Tye Common Road and asked not want to be named, said: “I didn’t know Mr Glanville very well – only really to say hello and that’s about it.

“He always seemed very nice.

It’s really shocking, you don’t expect it around here. I remember hearing the police helicopter, there were a lot of sirens.”

Mr Gallagher was airlifted to Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, East London, by the East Anglian Air Ambulance – thought to have been piloted by Prince WIlliam.

Investigating officer Det Insp Anne Cameron said: “I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious or unusual activity in Blind Lane or Sudburys Farm Road during the morning of July 30.

“In addition to the man being found with head injuries, there was a house fire in Blind Lane.

“I believe both incidents are linked and I am keen to speak with anyone who could progress either inquiry.”