DETECTIVES have charged a man with the brutal murder of a pensioner and the attempted murder of her husband in their own home.
Vasile Culea, 33, has been charged after Freda Walker, 86, was found dead in her home of 50 years while her husband Kenneth, 88, remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Culea has been charged with murder and attempted murder after the violent incident in Langwith Junction, Derbys on Saturday morning.
He was arrested at a house in Warsop, Nottinghamshire, five days after the brutal attack.
Forensic officers could be seen coming and going from the property while officers stood guard outside and a blue Audi A4 was towed away on a truck.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Kirby, of Derbyshire Police, branded the murder "an act of horrendous cowardice".
Cuela has been remanded in custody and will appear at Nottingham Magistrates tomorrow.
Kenneth, a retired miner and former chairman of Bolsover District Council, remains in hospital in a critical condition.
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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.
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."
ACC David Kirby said: “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and supported the investigation so far.
“The incident has had an understandable impact on the community of Langwith Junction and the wider Shirebrook area.
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“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.
“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.
“In particular detectives still want to speak to anyone who was walking or driving on Station Road between 4.30pm on Friday 14 January and 9am on Saturday 15 January to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 240-150122:
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