DETECTIVES have launched a manhunt for a predator with a “serious level of violence” who brutally murdered a pensioner in a terrifying raid.
Elderly Freda Walker, 86, was found dead inside her home of 50 years while her husband Kenneth, 88, remains in hospital with “horrific” life-threatening injuries.
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The pair were discovered in the quiet village of Langwith Junction, Derbyshire, following the horror attack on Saturday morning.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 9.30am after a neighbour discovered the couple with the horror injuries.
The couple have been described as “lovely people” who were “well known” in the local area.
Kenneth, a retired mining safety inspector, had celebrated his 88th birthday the week prior to the brutal assault.
Cops are also looking at a similar incident which saw another violent assault on an elderly couple as they slept in their beds just 40 minutes away.
An elderly woman suffered a broken jaw and severe swelling to her arm after being attacked by the suspect in Trowell, Notts, who demanded money from them on January 6 just after midnight.
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There have been no arrests in connection to either incident, with officers urging anyone with information to come forward.
Derbyshire Police confirmed that they are looking at “all lines” of inquiry, and are understood to be probing other unsolved violent attacks in the area.
Detectives are now urging anyone living in the area to stay vigilant, and be prepared to call 999.
Officers from Derbyshire Police have warned that the shocking incident had a “serious level of violence” used.
Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett said: “This couple were well known here. I know that many people who knew them were shocked by this horrific incident.
“I want to appeal to anybody who has any information in relation to this incident to come forward as a matter of urgency.
“I must confirm that no arrests have been made in this case and this is not a domestic incident.
“There was also a serious level of violence used in the incident and we are doing all we can to understand the circumstances and find those responsible.
“If you were in the area on the 14th of January through to the 15th, please contact police officers as we especially want to find anybody who may have any dashcam footage and anybody in the area that has CCTV.
“I do urge people to do is to carry out good security in relations to their homes.
“Keep their doors and windows locked and do not let any strangers in. Don’t keep any valuables on display.
“And to have a means of making contacting with emergency services if needs be.”
‘DEVOTED TO EACH OTHER’
Family members of the couple have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Chief Supt Barnett added that Mr Walker is in hospital, and wished him a “speedy recovery.”
Last month Kenneth, who used to sit on Shirebrook Town Council, was awarded an honorary status for his service to Bolsover District Council.
Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher has paid tribute to the former Bolsover mayor and his wife, saying his “thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time”.
Tributes have flooded in from heartbroken neighbours in the “tight-knit” community.
Flowers have already been placed outside the couple’s home, with one touching note reading: “To a lovely lady who would help anyone she could.”
One local resident said: “Ken and Freda were devoted to each other. This has shocked everyone who knew them.”
Another neighbour, who lives two doors down from the elderly couple, described the incident as “upsetting”.
They added: “This a close-knit area – everybody knows everybody.
“It is shocking and upsetting. I have lived on this street for 53 years and it has been a lovely area to live. It is really sad.”
Cops remain at the scene and locals have been warned there will be a significant police presence for some time.
Officers are appealing for anybody with information to come forward “as a matter of urgency”.
Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact police including reference 240-150122.
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