A man has been charged with the murder of an 86-year-old woman and the attempted murder of her husband, 88, after they were attacked in their home.
Freda Walker was found dead at the scene in Langwith Junction, Derbyshire, on Saturday, while Ken Walker was found with life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Vasile Culea, 33, was arrested at his home in Church Warsop, Nottinghamshire, on Thursday. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Nottingham magistrates court on Saturday.
The assistant chief constable David Kirby said: “While today’s charge is clearly positive news, and one that I hope brings a degree of reassurance, the investigation into the incident continues and I would once again appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.
“The incident has had an understandable impact on the community of Langwith Junction and the wider Shirebrook area. I would like to thank all those who have come forward and supported the investigation so far.
“Our thoughts remain with the couple’s family and friends – and I, along with the whole of Derbyshire constabulary, send our best wishes to Ken.”
The couple were found by a concerned neighbour at 9am on Saturday.
Ken Walker, a member of Shirebrook town council and previously a councillor on Bolsover district council, is in a critical but stable condition in hospital, police said this week.