A MAN found dead in his garden with a fatal stab wound had been released from police custody hours earlier after being quizzed on suspicion of rape.The body of Barry Crane was discovered at his remote home in Rattlesden, near Bury St Edmunds, late on Wednesday.

A MAN found dead in his garden with a fatal stab wound had been released from police custody hours earlier after being quizzed on suspicion of rape.

The body of Barry Crane was discovered at his remote home in Rattlesden, near Bury St Edmunds, late on Wednesday.

Just hours earlier, the 49-year-old had been interviewed at Stowmarket police station in connection with the rape of a 27-year-old woman in a lay-by on the A1120 on the outskirts of Pettaugh, near Debenham.

The offence allegedly happened between 7pm and 9.30pm on Monday .

Detectives arrested Mr Crane in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of rape. He was later bailed to return to Stowmarket police station on May 5.

Last night, police were still treating his death as unexplained – but it is understood they are not looking for anyone else in connection with their enquiries.

A spokesman from Suffolk police said: "We can confirm that Barry Crane was under police investigation in connection with a report of rape.

"The report was made by a woman who said she had been raped beside the A1120 at Pettaugh on Monday, March 28.

"Mr Crane was arrested and released on police bail on Tuesday, March 29. He had not been charged in relation to the matter.

"As is standard practice, Suffolk police have voluntarily referred this matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission for their consideration."

Police officially named Mr Crane after formal identification had taken place and all next of kin had been informed.

Specialist search teams are continuing to carry out investigations in the area where his body was found.

Mr Crane's body was discovered at about 10.10pm on Wednesday at his Francis Farm Home in Woolpit Road, on land owned by Rattlesden Farms Ltd, by a member of his family.

The property, which Mr Crane is believed to have shared with his elderly father, was immediately sealed off as scenes of crimes officers worked to uncover the cause of death.

A post mortem examination has concluded Mr Crane died from a stab wound to his chest.