Attacks on elderly couples in the Midlands may be linked
AN ATTACK in which an 86-year-old woman was killed and her husband left for dead could be linked to the “vicious” burglary of an elderly couple earlier this month, it has emerged.
Police are “keeping an open mind” on whether the “horrific” attack which led to the death of Freda Walker and has left her husband Ken, 88, critically ill in hospital could be linked to a violent burglary in a neighbouring county.
No arrests have been made for either the attack on the Walkers at their home in Langwith Junction, Derbyshire, on Saturday or the Jan 6 attack on a couple in their 80s in their home in Trowell, Nottinghamshire.
In the incident in Trowell, the intruder is reported to have demanded money before leaving the woman with cuts to her head, swelling to her arm, and a possible broken jaw while the husband also suffered a number of cuts to his face and arms.
When asked about the possible links between the attacks, Derbyshire police confirmed they were “speaking to other forces in the region to look at any other similar incidents that there may have been, but no formal links have been made”.
Steve Fritchley, the leader of Bolsover district council, said the attack on the Walkers had sent “shockwaves” through the local community.
“I worked alongside Ken for years on both the district and town council.
“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 10 years, promoting the council and district to whoever he could.
“Freda was lovely. She always wanted to help people, always had the time of day to say ‘hello’. She will be missed by family, friends and the community.”
Assistant Chief Constable David Kirby said there would be “an increased police presence in the area, and high visibility patrols would continue in the coming days.
“A significant level of violence was used in this incident and, while we cannot go into specifics of the offence at this time, this is not being investigated as a domestic incident,” he said.