Former head designer of Rolls Royce dies in ‘violent’ attack at German home

The former British head designer of Rolls Royce has died following a “violent” attack at his home in Germany.

Ian Cameron, who previously led the design team for Phantom and Ghost models of cars, was assaulted by a man on Zur Kohlstatt Street in the Mühlfeld district of Herrsching, Bavaria on Friday, July 12 around 9.20pm.

Police said Mr Cameron’s wife was able to flee to a nearby property to contact police, however the 74-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

An extensive search operation was launched in a bid to find Mr Cameron’s attacker, who is described as male, around 5ft 9in tall and was wearing light trousers and a dark blue hooded sweatshirt, red backpack and yellow/green gloves.

A police helicopter, federal police patrols and several dog handlers were deployed in the search for the man. Divers were also deployed, searching relevant areas of the shore of Lake Ammersee for evidence.

However the man has not been traced.

Police added there is no indication of a wider threat to the public.

In a statement, German police said: “The police are asking witnesses who made suspicious observations in the Mühlfeld district on Friday evening or who can provide information about the fugitive perpetrator to contact the Fürstenfeldbruck criminal investigation department on 08141/6120.

“Due to the incident, the Herrsching police station is on duty in the Mühlfeld district at night and is visible and approachable to the public.

“However, the police currently have no indications that would indicate a further danger to the public.”

In a statement, Rolls Royce said: “We were deeply shocked by the reports from Germany concerning Ian Cameron, who was the director of design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from 1999 – 2012.

“Ian played a significant role in shaping Rolls-Royce from when it was first acquired by BMW Group and moved to its Home at Goodwood, West Sussex.

“During Ian’s tenure he led the design team for all Phantom family and Ghost models, creating thoroughly contemporary motor cars that remained sympathetic to the marque’s design lineage.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”