Police search around home of murdered businessman and Social Democrat

Police in Chomutov in northwest Bohemia have been searching the area around the villa of Roman Houska, a businessman and influential member of the local Social Democrats who was shot dead on Monday. Mr. Houska, who was 51, was gunned down in front of his garage in what appeared to be a contract killing. Police have refused to confirm reports that no murder weapon has been found. Media reports have described Mr. Houska, who reportedly claimed to have compromising materials on opponents, as an eminence grise in politics in the region.