Derbyshire murder detectives appeal for dashcam footage as councillor remains in critical condition

A murder inquiry was launched after 86-year-old Freda Walker was found dead at her home in Station Road at just after 9am on Saturday 15 January.

Her 88-year-old husband Kenneth, who is a serving Shirebrook Town Councillor, was found with serious injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Assistant Chief Constable David Kirby said: “Freda and Kenneth were very well known in the Langwith Junction area – and there has been an understandable outpouring of grief following Freda’s death.

“My thoughts are with her family and friends – and with the wider community who are understandably shocked by the news.

“Our thoughts are also with Kenneth at this time, who remains in a critical condition in hospital.

“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.

MORE TO READ: Tributes paid to murder victim

“Again, I understand that this will come as a shock for the community and there will be understandable concern.

“There is an increased police presence in the area, and high visibility patrols will continue in the coming days. I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to officers on patrol or contact the force directly.

“Finally I would urge anyone with information, in particular any drivers with dashcam footage or homeowners with CCTV that covers the period of time between 5pm on Friday 14 January and 9am on Saturday 15 January to contact the force as a matter of urgency.”

MORE ON THIS: Community leaders 'shocked' and 'angry' as police hunt for Langwith Junction killer

Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their inquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 240-150122:

Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs.

Phone – call officers on 101.

Major Incident Portal - Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.