A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a town councillor’s wife following an attack which also left her husband with critical injuries.
Freda Walker, 86, was pronounced dead at her home in Derbyshire early on Saturday morning (January 15).
Her husband, Kenneth Walker, 88, was discovered with life-threatening injuries.
A 33-year-old man, from Warsop, in Nottinghamshire, has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Mrs Walker and the attempted murder of Mr Walker.
Derbyshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Kirby confirmed details of the investigation while addressing a press conference at the scene today.
ACC Kirby previously described the suspected burglary at the couple’s home in Station Road, in Langwith Junction, Shirebrook, as a “horrific” crime.
Mrs Walker’s body was found at the property by her neighbour at around 9am on Saturday, along with her husband.
Mr Walker was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.
Speaking this morning, ACC Kirby said the arrest follows help and support from the local community.
"I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us so far," he said.
“I also ask for anybody who was in this area, on this street, between 4.30pm on Friday January 14 and 9am on Saturday January 15, to please come forward as we’d like to speak to you.
“Yes, we have made an arrest, but of course the investigation carries on, so we’re always looking to add to the information that we’ve got.
“Please don’t hesitate, come and speak to us, whether you’ve seen something or not, in that time on that street.”
ACC Kirby said the possibility that the incident may have been a burglary remains "a leading line of inquiry".
Mr Walker is a councillor on the local Shirebrook Town Council, which has paid tribute to Mrs Walker.
“It was with great shock and sadness that we learnt of the devastating news of the incident at Councillor & Mrs Walker's home address that has left Cllr. Ken Walker with critical injuries and caused the passing of Mrs Freda Walker,” the council said in a statement.
“Ken has been a member of the Town Council for many years and up until recently also represented the Town on the District Council, where he was the Chairman for ten years.
“Freda, having supported Ken throughout with his public duties, was also a much-respected member of the Town who has been involved in a lot of charity work in the community.
“Our thoughts remain with Ken, and we hope that the fighting spirit we all know him for pulls him through this awful situation."
A number of floral tributes have been left outside the property on Station Road.
Some left messages saying “RIP Freda, you will be missed” and “we will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time”.
