Police quiz man after attack on Phones4U boss John Caudwell

Detectives were today questioning a suspect over a raid at the Midland home of billionaire John Caudwell.

The ex-Phones4U boss was battered with an iron bar during the raid at Broughton Hall, his 50-room mansion, near Eccleshall, Staffordshire on Monday.

Cash and all his family jewellery were stolen from the £7.5 million Jacobean property at around 8.30pm, in an incident the 57-year-old tycoon yesterday described as "brutal".

He was treated by paramedics for a 1in gash to his forehead. He has since attended Nuffield Hospital for a check-up.

His partner, Claire Johnson, and a 22-year-old female member of staff, were also assaulted, but not with a weapon, and neither received any injuries. Staffordshire Police have confirmed no firearms were seen or used during the raid.

A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary in Liverpool yesterday by detectives from Merseyside and Staffordshire. The man, from Liverpool, was taken to Stoke-on-Trent last night for questioning.

Mr Caudwell said: "In attempting to defend myself and my family, I was attacked by a man with a crowbar. I suffered a gash to my forehead, to my elbow and damage to my other arm and my back.

"They took every item of jewellery that Claire and I possessed, plus some cash. Thankfully, nobody else was hurt physically, although no doubt the shock of the event and the brutal actions and language of the attackers will live on for some time."

Police are asking anyone with information about the robbery to call 0300 123 4455.