Freda Walker: Man arrested on suspicion of murdering woman, 86, and leaving husband for dead

A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Freda Walker, pictured with husband Ken Walker. (PA) — A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Freda Walker, pictured with husband Ken Walker. (PA) (PA)

Police have arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of murdering an 86-year-old woman in an attack which also left her husband with critical injuries.

Freda Walker was pronounced dead at her home in Langwith Junction, Shirebrook, near Bolsover in Derbyshire, on Saturday, while 88-year-old town councillor Kenneth Walker was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Addressing a press conference at the scene on Thursday, Derbyshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Kirby said the man, from Warsop, Nottinghamshire, had been detained in the early hours of Thursday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Speaking about the arrest at the scene in Langwith Junction, ACC Kirby said: “It comes from a lot of help and support from this community, and I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us so far.

Flowers outside a house on Station Road, Langwith Junction, Shirebrook, near Bolsover, where Kenneth Walker 86, was found with life-threatening injuries alongside his wife Freda Walker 88, who was pronounced dead at the scene. — Flowers outside a house on Station Road where Freda Walker was pronounced dead. (PA) (PA)

“I also ask for anybody who was in this area, on this street, between 4.30pm on Friday, 14 January and 9am on Saturday, 15 January, 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.

Watch: Woman, 86, killed and husband, 88, injured in home attack

“Please don’t hesitate, come and speak to us, whether you’ve seen something or not, in that time on that street.”

Asked if he could speak about the motive for the attack, ACC Kirby added: “One of the leading lines of inquiry is that it may have been a burglary, and that remains a leading line of inquiry.

“The man was arrested in the early hours and, as you would expect, there will be interviews and so on, and if we can give any more information about motive then we will do – but at this time we can’t be conclusive.”

Flowers outside a house on Station Road, Langwith Junction, Shirebrook, near Bolsover, where Kenneth Walker 86, was found with life-threatening injuries alongside his wife Freda Walker 88, who was pronounced dead at the scene. — Town councillor Kenneth Walker, 88, was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition following the attack. (PA) (PA)

ACC Kirby said the focus of the probe was on the arrested man but added that police “can’t rule out the involvement of anybody else”.

Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire Police, quoting the reference 240-150122.

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