An 84-year-old woman murdered in her own home in a sleepy Shropshire village rarely left the house and had not been seen by neighbours since Christmas, it has emerged.
A seriously injured 80-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder after police were called to the house in Prees Higher Heath, Whitchurch, at 3pm yesterday.
He was taken to hospital after being detained for treatment of his injuries, which were said to be potentially life-threatening.
Neighbours said the woman, named locally as Rita, had lived in the unassuming detached house for more than 40 years.
She lived with her husband until he died in a car crash some years ago, and later with a partner of around 15 years.
The couple were last spotted before Christmas delivering cards around the quiet cul-de-sac of Woodlands Grove, where property prices average about £365,000.
One woman who lives a few doors away down said: ‘I’ve been here since March last year, but I’ve only ever seen him (the partner) get in his car and then come back in.
‘That’s all I’ve seen of him. I’ve been here 12 months and I’ve only ever seen him, I didn’t even know there was a woman living there.’
A forensics team visited the house on Woodlands Grove in Prees Higher Heath, Whitchurch, this morning
Police were called to the house at around 3pm yesterday afternoon after receiving concern for safety reports
A seriously injured 80-year-old man was arrested and was receiving treatment in hospital
Another neighbour, who has lived on the street for 27 years, said the couple were quiet and rarely seen.
She said: ‘They kept themselves to themselves, so much.
‘They’re not married, but they’ve been together for 15 odd years. Rita is her name, I don’t know his name.
‘I only spoke to them in passing. I saw her before Christmas, handing out cards. They were both out together posting cards – they looked fine.’
Another neighbour, who moved to the area recently, said: ‘I’ve seen him out on the drive a few times in the last two months.
‘I’ve never seen her. It’s a quiet street and a friendly area, you just don’t see anyone.’
Somebody living further down the road said: ‘I knew of the lady but I didn’t know her personally.
‘Around here we all keep ourselves to ourselves. I’ve lived here 30 years, she’s lived here longer.
‘I don’t know who the man (her partner) was, he used to drive up and down in his car but he didn’t acknowledge or speak to anyone.
‘I never even said hello to the man, I just saw him driving up and down often.
‘Her husband was killed in a car accident many years ago.
‘Occasionally, Rita would be in the car with him or they’d walk past here and she would say hello.
‘The last time I saw them they were walking past here, wrapped up, around Christmas. She glanced and smiled and I said hello.
‘There’s a lot of retired people here, I haven’t known her be friendly with anyone here.’
Forensic teams made a sweep of the house this morning, and there has been a constant police presence since yesterday afternoon.
West Mercia Police were called to the scene about 3:05pm following a concern for safety report.
A spokesperson said yesterday: ‘An 84-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive at the property and sadly pronounced dead a short time later.’
The man who was arrested was receiving hospital treatment for ‘serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, the force added.
Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay said in a statement on Tuesday: ‘Firstly, our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the woman who sadly lost her life today.
‘We understand an incident of this nature may be concerning for the local community, but we would like to offer some reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.
‘We are still in the early stages of our investigation and officers will be in the area over the coming days as our inquiries continue.’
Prees Higher Heath is a small rural village with a population of around 500 people, and is well-known among hikers for its scenic surroundings.
The village also features several historic landmarks, including the Grade II listed 14th Century St Mary’s Church.