Mystery over murder of car dealer in Belgium

Anthony Edward Smith, who was born in Dewsbury and lived at one time in the High Town, Cleckheaton, area was shot nine times on August 11, 2008.

Coroner Roger Whittaker heard that Mr Smith, a 42-year-old divorced car dealer, was found dead in Antwerp next to a rented vehicle – an Opel Astra – during the night of August 11.

A 9mm calibre weapon had been used to kill him – cartridge shells were found at the scene. An X-ray examination of his body also revealed evidence of bird shot pellets having been fired at him.

Det Sgt Andrew Watts, of West Yorkshire's homicide and murder enquiry team, told Mr Whittaker that "it would be fair to say that in relation to the circumstances it is still very open-ended and far from concluded. One person has been arrested but has been released.''

Mr Whittaker said: "It's clear from the post mortem report (by Professor Werner Jacobs) that he had been shot nine times in all. At the moment, sadly, there appears to be no leads that would allow a prosecution to take place."

Mr Watts added: "There have been some frustrations with other police forces across Europe though some of these enquiries have been more successful recently.''

Mr Whittaker said: "I am sure beyond reasonable doubt that Anthony Edward Smith was murdered. I would normally have adjourned the case pending the conclusion of a criminal trial but it is not the same where there is a death abroad. There is sufficient evidence to confirm that Anthony Edward Smith was the subject of unlawful killing. If there is sufficient new evidence I could apply to a court for a new inquest.''

The Yorkshire Post understands that Mr Smith was known to the police, had left Britain some years ago and lived at a variety of European addresses.

He has a cousin in Cleckheaton who did not attend the inquest.