Man behind £8bn bid for BT's local loop found dead

Earthlease exec beaten with blunt object

Theodore Ammon - the financier behind Earthlease's £8 billion bid for BT's local loop - was found dead at his home in Long Island on Monday.

Police said he had been beaten about the head with a blunt object.

So far, no weapon has been found. Neither do police have a motive for the violent attack.

Police are still hunting the killer and the latest reports claim the search has now widened to Manhattan.

Mr Ammon was found on Monday by a colleague after he failed to turn up to a meeting.

Earthlease has said it is anxious to re-enter talks with BT over its bid for the local loop, despite the tragedy of Mr Ammon's death. ®