‘CARING, SMILING MUM’ - AND NOW FOCUS OF MURDER INQUIRY
TRIBUTES TO INGRID AS TEEN BELIEVED TO BE SON APPEARS IN COURT
TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who was found dead in a city home.
She was named yesterday as 54-year-old Ingrid Matthew, as a teenager believed to be her son appeared before magistrates on a murder charge.
In a statement released through police, Ingrid’s family said: “Ingrid will be remembered for her caring nature, vibrant personality, infectious smile and echoing laughter.
“She always shared genuine kindness and hope for others. Ingrid was so loved and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.”
THE family of a 54-year-old woman found dead in her city home have paid tribute to her “caring nature, vibrant personality, infectious smile and echoing laughter”.
The woman, whose death is being treated as murder, was named yesterday as Ingrid Matthew.
Ms Matthew’s body was found at a home in Lincoln Street, Highfields, on Saturday evening.
An 18-year-old man, Aaron Matthew, has been charged with her murder.
The Mercury understands he is Ms Matthew’s son.
The teenager, who also lives in Lincoln Street, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning.
The case was sent to Northampton Crown Court for a further hearing this morning.
Ms Matthew’s family said in a statement, released via police, that she would be greatly missed.
The statement read: “Ingrid will be remembered for her caring nature, vibrant personality, infectious smile and echoing laughter.
“She always shared genuine kindness and hope for others.
“Ingrid was so loved and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.”
The family statement was released at 3.30pm yesterday, along with a photograph of Ms Matthew.
A force spokesperson said that Ms Matthew was found inside a property after police were called just before 6pm.
Her death is one of two ongoing murder investigations relating to the Highfields area. In an unconnected incident, Abdirahim Mohamed, 18, was found with stab injuries in Melbourne Street last Wednesday and later died in hospital.
Three men - Daniel Pollard, 29, of Calder Road, Beaumont Leys; Mohammed Hansrod, 29, of Dulverton Road, West End, Leicester; and Abdul Hemid Suleman, 58, of Jupiter Close, Highfields - all appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning.
PLEDGE TO TACKLE VIOLENCE
Rupert Matthews, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has moved to reassure local communities after the two incidents.
Mr Matthews said: “These events are truly tragic and my thoughts and condolences go to the families and friends of those involved.
“These incidents have understandably shocked those living within the close-knit communities of Leicester and are likely to have inflated fear and anxiety.
“In response, the force is delivering reassurance patrols and will maintain a strong and visible police presence in the areas affected. The investigations into these crimes continue and officers are working hard to bring those responsible to justice.
“Arrests have been made but inquiries are still ongoing, and the chief officer team is making sure I am kept informed of any progress.
“Violence has a serious impact on our communities and the fear of crime in general.
“The work we do with our key partners and the Violence Reduction Network to reduce weapons on our streets and prevent young people from seeing violence as the answer is vital to breaking the cycle.
“Tackling violence and its root causes is a top priority for me and I know from the community meeting I attended on Friday that local people share my concerns and desire for change.
“I will do everything possible to ensure the right support is in place to encourage vulnerable people to take a different path.
“It is never too late to change direction - but we need to ensure the opportunities are there.”