A NATIONWIDE manhunt for armed raiders who struck at a North Yorkshire businessman's estate homed in on York today.

Detectives are investigating a possible York connection after a car stolen during the raid was found ablaze in the city.

Inquiries into how Peter Stephenson was shot in the head when he confronted three intruders at his mansion, Kepwick Hall, near Thirsk, are now focused on Common Lane, Stockton-on-the-Forest.

The stolen Peugeot 206 was discovered on fire there at about 6.30pm yesterday, almost two days after Mr Stephenson, 52, challenged the intruders the grounds of his home.

During the incident, which happened as his partner Karen Dewer was present, a shotgun being held by one of the raiders went off. Mr Stephenson is then thought to have grabbed the barrel of the shotgun and a second shot caught him on the head as his daughter Rachel arrived in her Peugeot 206.

The gang stole this car from her and fled in the direction of the A19.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman who disclosed the discovery of the blazing car said today: "The first step is to search the area where the car was found and also to examine the car for forensic evidence. That is expected to happen today.

"At the same time detectives will be liaising with York police for any intelligence they can offer." House-to-house inquiries were also continuing in the villages around Kepwick and witnesses were being interviewed.

Police are also following up reports of vehicles seen in Kepwick on Tuesday night.

Mr Stephenson was released from the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton late on Wednesday night.

Every police force in the country was given details of the stolen Peugeot in the hours after the raid.

A special witness line has been set up and anyone with any information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 01609 768060.

Updated: 15:46 Friday, August 02, 2002