Uckfield: Police bail for van Hoogstraten

FRAMFIELD property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten has been released on police bail after being questioned in connection with the gangland-style murder of a Brighton businessman.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police serious crimes squad arrested the 56-year-old millionaire at Courtlands Hotel, in Hove, on Tuesday July 17.

He was taken to a south London police station, where he was questioned about the murder of a Brighton businessman in 1999.

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It is believe his properties in Sussex, including Hamilton Palace in Framfield, were this week being searched by police.

Scotland Yard released a statement saying a 56-year-old businessman from Framfield had been arrested in connection with the murder of Mohammed Sabir Raja.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman added that he had been released on police bail pending further investigations by officers. He must return to the south London police station on an undisclosed date in August.

Mr Raja, a 62-year-old Brighton landlord, was murdered at his home in Sutton, Surrey, on July 2, 1999. He was stabbed before being shot in the head and stomach. It is believed the victim was a former business associate of Mr van Hoogstraten.

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An unemployed man from Brighton has been charged with the Pakistan-born property developer s murder.

David Terence Croke, 58, of Moulscombe, appeared at Bexley Magistrates Court, South London, in March. His trial is due to begin in the autumn.

Mr Hoogstraten is the owner of the unfinished 30 million Hamilton Palace, and also has homes in St Lucia, France, Barbados and America.

The multi-millionaire he is believed to be the 140th richest person in Britain with a personal fortune of around 400 million has recently been embroiled in a battle with ramblers about a footpath that crosses land near Hamilton Palace.

Published: 19.7.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd