Bolsover Council leader 'shocked' and 'angry' after murder of pensioner as police hunt for killer

Police have launched a murder investigation after Freda Walker was killed and her husband Ken, aged 88, was hospitalised with life-threatening injuries after an incident on Station Road on Saturday, January 15.

Former Bolsover Council chairman and honorary alderman Ken, and his wife Freda, have been described as a ‘lovely couple’.

Councillor Steve Fritchley, council leader, 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."

Coun Fritchley said Freda was ‘always wanting to help people’.

He said: “She 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.”

Terrible incident

Andrew Tristram, town clerk at Old Bolsover Town Council, said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of this terrible incident involving Coun Walker and his wife, and our thoughts are with Coun Walker and his family at this time.”

Mark Fletcher, Bolsover MP, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected and I will continue to work with the authorities over the coming days.”

Paramedics were called to Langwith Junction on Saturday at 9.30am after receiving reports of a couple with serious injuries.

When they arrived at a house on Station Road, they found the woman dead and her husband badly hurt.

Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett, of Derbyshire Police, said no arrests had been made and officers do not believe it was a domestic incident.

Police have urged people in the area to keep doors and windows locked.