Tributes have been paid after a couple fell victim to a "terrible" attack which has sparked a murder investigation.
Shockwaves have been sent around the community in the village of Langworth Junction after the incident on Saturday, January 15.
86-year-old Freda Walker was attacked and has died of her injuries, while her husband Ken, 88, remains critically injured in hospital.
Ken is a member of Shirebrook Town Council and has acted as chairman on 10 different occasions. He has also represented the area on Bolsover District Council.
Shirebrook Town Council said in a statement: "It was with great shock and sadness that we learnt of the devastating news of the incident at Cllr and Mrs Walker's home address that has left Councillor Ken Walker with critical injuries and caused the passing of Mrs Freda Walker.
"Ken has been a member of the Town Council for many years and up until recently also represented the Town on the District Council, where he was chairman ten times.
"Freda, having supported Ken throughout with his public duties, was also a much-respected member of the town who has been involved in a lot of charity work in the community.
"Our thoughts remain with Ken, and we hope that the fighting spirit we all know him for pulls him through this awful situation."
Meanwhile, Bolsover District Council leader Steve Fritchley has said the entire community in Langwith Junction is shocked about the incidents over the weekend.
Councillor Fritchley said: “This is shocking news. It is terrible when something like this happens, but it really hits home when it happens on your doorstep and to someone you know.
“It’s very upsetting and I was quite angry over the weekend. Ken and Freda were in their own home, a place where everyone deserves to be and feel safe, only to be attacked and ultimately bringing Freda’s life to a premature end.
“We have heard many people say ‘oh Ken and Freda, what a lovely couple’ and they really were. This has sent shockwaves through the local community.
“I worked alongside Ken for many 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 ten years, promoting the Council and district to whoever he could.
“Freda was lovely. Always wanting to help people, always had the time of day to say ‘hello’ and speak to them as they walked past. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the local community.
“Ken retired from being a District Councillor in 2019 and just when they should both be enjoying their twilight years together, this terrible incident has happened and our thoughts are with Ken and his family.”
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 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.
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
