Farm owner 'killed himself', claim
A popular farm owner died after coming into contact with a "noxious substance" in an apparent suicide, sources close to the investigation have said.
Surrey Police are not treating the death of Bob Dearnley as suspicious, the source added.
Seven police officers were taken to hospital for observation after emergency services were called to Burpham Court Farm, in Guildford, Surrey.
Mr Dearnley, who ran the site with his wife, was a popular figure locally, having developed the farm as a conservation centre and tourist attraction.
A Surrey Police spokesman said emergency services were unable to revive the victim at the scene.
The spokesman said: "Following a call to Surrey Police during the early hours of May 28, officers arrived at Burpham Court Farm, Guildford, regarding a concern to safety.
"One person - a man in his 50s - was found at the premises and it was apparent some sort of noxious substance was present at the scene which is currently being investigated."
Officers alerted ambulance and fire services to the scene but the man died before he could be taken to hospital.
A source later revealed that the noxious substance was believed to be rat poison.
Seven officers were under observation at hospital, the spokesman added. The officers are expected to be released from hospital later.
