Woman claims she killed her father and buried him
POLICE have opened a murder investigation after a woman in her 60s walked into a police station claiming to have killed her father and buried him in the back garden.
Barbara Coombes, 63, a mother of one, was arrested and was last night being questioned by detectives on suspicion of murdering her father Kenneth, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday later this year.
Police have begun digging in the garden of a house in the Cheadle Heath area of Stockport, Greater Manchester, but it is not clear when the killing was alleged to have taken place.
Neighbours in the street described Mrs Coombes as a “lovely person”, who had lived there for years.
One resident in the quiet horseshoe shaped road, said: “She lived with her mum and dad. Her mum died many years ago. I just assumed her dad died too.”
Ann Millar, 73, said: “She is a lovely woman who has lived there for years with her dad and daughter.”
Mrs Coombes married in 1987 and gave birth to daughter, Islay, the following year.
Her mother, Mary, died in 1973, and neighbours said they recalled that her elderly father lived at the address, but had not been seen for many years.
Police said no remains had been found at the address so far but their inquiries were continuing.
Forensic officers continued to search the scene yesterday afternoon. White tents were set up in the back garden and officers were carrying out door-to-door inquiries.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the man’s family had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.