Man, 33, arrested after woman, 86, found dead and husband in ‘critical condition’
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 86-year-old Freda Walker in her Derbyshire home.
He has also been detained over the attempted murder of Mrs Walker’s husband, town councillor Kenneth Walker, aged 88.
Mr Walker was rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition and with life threatening injuries.
His wife was found dead by a concerned neighbour at around 9am on Saturday, sparking a manhunt for whoever was responsible.
Police have said a significant level of violence was used during the home invasion and said around 100 officers had been dispatched to find the killer.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Kirby previously described the suspected burglary at the couple’s home in Shirebrook, near Bolsover, as a ‘horrific’ crime.
In a press conference at the scene today, he said a 33-year-old man from Warsop, Nottinghamshire, had been arrested in the early hours of this morning.
Detectives have been going door-to-door while trawling through hours of CCTV since the attack.
Police are still appealing for anyone who was near the scene at Station Road, Langwith Junction, between 4.30pm on Friday 14 and 9am Saturday 15 to come forward ‘as a matter of urgency’.
In an earlier appeal, ACC Kirby it was clear a number of people walked or drove along the road during this period.
He added: ‘If you know you were in that street between those times, I urge you to contact the force immediately so officers can ensure that any information is captured – and that you can be discounted from any enquiries.’
In a statement Shirebrook Town Council said they hoped their colleague’s ‘fighting spirit’ would help him pull through ‘this awful situation’.
‘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 chairman ten times,’ it added.
‘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.’
Bolsover District Council leader Steve Fritchley added: ‘This is shocking news. It is terrible when something like this happens, but it really hits home when it happens on your doorstep and to someone you know.
‘We have heard many people say “oh Ken and Freda, what a lovely couple” and they really were. This has sent shockwaves through the local community.
‘Ken’s dedication and service to the public was an example to all. He always wanted to help people, do his best for the local community and he admirably represented the authority as chair for ten years, promoting the Council and district to whoever he could.
‘Freda was lovely. Always wanting to help people, always had the time of day to say “hello” and speak to them as they walked past. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the local community.’
Residents described Mrs Walker, who was known for her charity work, as the ‘nicest person on earth’.
One neighbour said: ‘Freda was the most generous person you could ever meet and had such a kind and warm spirit.
‘The couple didn’t have any children and I think helping others was her way of being a mother to those who were less fortunate.
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‘She worked with homeless charities and just wanted people to have a chance to make a life for themselves.’
Last month, Mr Walker, who sits on Shirebrook Town Council, was awarded an honorary status for his service to Bolsover District Council.
A friend of Mr Walker added: ‘Everyone’s numb with shock. Ken is a lovely man and was devoted to Freda.
‘They didn’t have children but gave all their time to helping others. Ken was still very active on the council and had no plans to retire.
‘Freda was dedicated to her charity work and was passionate about helping rough sleepers.’
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