GUNMAN’S SUICIDE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20329, 12 June 1934, Page 1

GUNMAN’S SUICIDE.

Tracked by Bloodhounds on

Sussex Downs

LONDON, June 2.

One of the most sensational chases by bloodhounds in the annals of English crime ended when a gunman. Leonard Hill, committed suicide on the Sussex Downs. Hill, who was twenty-nine years of age, and who was recently released from gaol, shot a policeman. The whole of Sussex county police force was requisitioned for the search for Hill. No clues were forthcoming until a burglary was reported at Stoirington.

The police then telephoned to Mrs Michael Sadleir, wife of the well-known author and publisher, asking her to bring her specially trained bloodhound, from Stroud (Gloucestershire). A long chase over the downs then began. Mrs Sadleir led it fearlessly, although she knew Hill was armed. When it became evident that the hounds were keen on the scent, the police who were following drew their revolvers. At last, in the middle of a thick wood, Mrs Sadleir cried, “ Here he is! ”

A shot rang out, followed by shots from the police. Hill, who had risen from the undergrowth, shot himself as the dogs rushed in, and dropped at Mrs Sadleir’s feet.

The police took off a five-barred gate from its hinges and carried Hill to hospital, where he died in the bed adjoining that of the constable he had wounded.