A MURDER investigation is under way after a former Royal Navy officer was killed by burglars who ran him over in his own car.

Mike Samwell, who it is understood worked in Warrington, died after going to confront intruders who broke into his home as he slept upstairs with his wife Jessica at 3am this morning, Sunday.

The 35-year-old was found badly injured in a parking area at the rear of the house in Cranbourne Road in the Chorlton area of Manchester and died just over an hour later in hospital.

Greater Manchester Police believe he was run over at least once as he tried to prevent the intruders from stealing with his black Audi S3 sports coupe.

Det sup Jon Chadwick said: "This is the murder of an innocent man who has merely sought to protect his property from criminals.

"We will not stop until we have found the person responsible for this dreadful crime."

Mr Samwell’s car was later found badly damaged and abandoned three miles away in Whitby Avenue in the Ladybarn area and his killers remain on the run.

Mr Chadwick said Mrs Samwell has been left 'devastated' and is being comforted by her family.

He added: "It's a nice, quiet, leafy place.

"Anything happening at 3am would stand out a mile.

"It is one of those things where you would expect the criminal fraternity to help us out with.

"It's more than criminal."