Man arrested over murder of woman, 86, and attempted murder of her 88-year-old husband

January 20, 2022

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of an 86-year-old woman and the attempted murder of her 88-year-old husband.

Freda Walker was pronounced dead at her home in Langwith Junction, near Bolsover in Derbyshire, on Saturday.

Town councillor Kenneth Walker, 88, was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and remains "critical", police said.

The couple were found at 9am on Saturday by a "concerned neighbour", Derbyshire Constabulary said.

The 33-year-old suspect, from Warsop, Nottinghamshire, was held in the early hours of Thursday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Kirby said the arrest was a "significant breakthrough" as officers continue to investigate "this most appalling crime".

Detectives have been examining CCTV and going from door to door.

One of the "leading lines of inquiry" is that it may have been a burglary, Mr Kirby said at the scene, although it is not yet possible to be "conclusive" about a motive.

The involvement of others is not being ruled out, but at present, "we are focusing our inquiries on this particular man we've arrested", Mr Kirby said.

The community will be updated about any "potential further risk", he added.

Anyone who was in the area between 4.30pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday is being asked to come forward.

"Yes, we have made an arrest, but of course the investigation carries on, so we're always looking to add to the information we've got," Mr Kirby told reporters.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Derbyshire police citing reference 240-150122.

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