A manhunt has been launched to locate the suspect. (File)
New Delhi:
Ian Cameron, former chief designer of Rolls-Royce and vintage car expert, was murdered in his $3 million mansion in Germany after being stabbed by a man during a robbery.
The 74-year-old Briton lived with his wife Verena Kloos in Herrsching on the Ammersee in Germany during the incident. Ms Kloos escaped the attack by climbing a wall and landing in her neighbour’s house, from where she informed the police.
According to CCTV footage, the power cables to the garage of Ian Cameron’s home, where valuables were kept, had been deliberately cut.
“The investigation shows that it was a violent crime,” police officials said.
Ian Cameron played a “key” role in designing iconic Rolls-Royce vehicles such as the Ghost, Phantom and 3 Series.
Ian Cameron took on the role of leading the Rolls-Royce design team after BMW acquired Rolls-Royce’s automotive division in 1998.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news about our former Rolls-Royce designer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during these difficult hours,” BMW said in a statement to Automotive News.
“Ian was instrumental in shaping Rolls-Royce from the time it was first acquired by BMW Group and moved to its home in Goodwood, West Sussex. During Ian’s tenure he led the design team for all Phantom family and Ghost models, thoroughly creating contemporary cars that remained sympathetic to the brand’s design line,” the automaker added.
The suspect’s height is estimated at between 180 and 190 cm (5 ft 9 in to 6 ft 2 in). He is wearing light-colored pants, a dark blue sweatshirt, yellow-green gloves and a red backpack, according to a description provided by police officials.
A manhunt has been launched to locate the suspect, who is currently on the run. Dogs and a helicopter help search teams thoroughly investigate the area to catch the killer.
