Was killer caught on CCTV? Detectives investigating murder of 86-year-old and brutal attack on her ex-mayor husband, 88, want to identify ‘crucial’ passers-by spotted in street on night of ‘cowardly’ assault

• Police are investigating attack on Freda Walker and 88-year-old Kenneth Walker
• Mrs Walker died from injuries but her husband is critical but stable in hospital
• Detectives have now identified CCTV and people they think could help probe 

Police investigating the murder of 86-year-old Freda Walker say CCTV has identified potentially ‘crucial’ witnesses – sparking hope the killer too may have been caught on camera.

Freda and her 88-year-old husband Ken were found at their home in Langwith Junction, Derbys., by a concerned neighbour on Saturday morning.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mr Walker, a retired miner and former chairman of Bolsover District Council, remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Detectives have been trawling CCTV and conducting house-to-house enquiries in a bid to trace those responsible while the killer remains on the loose.

Now Derbyshire Police appealed for anyone who was in the area on Friday evening to come forward as ‘a matter of urgency’.

Police are investigating attack on Freda Walker, 86, and 88-year-old husband Kenneth Walker

Detectives have now identified CCTV and people they think could help them hunt the killer

Officers have been conducting house to house inquiries and any footage could hold case key

The force said CCTV footage had pinpointed potential witnesses in the area at the time it is believed the couple were brutally attacked in their own home.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Kirby said: ‘Since Saturday a team of officers have been working round the clock to bring those responsible for this horrific crime to justice.

‘Hours of CCTV footage has been downloaded and is being viewed – and it is clear from the images that there are a number of people who walk or drive along Station Road between 4.30pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday.

‘If you know you were in that street between those times, I urge you to contact the force immediately so officers can ensure that any information is captured – and that you can be discounted from any enquiries.’

Police and emergency crews have been working at the scene for days trying to find clues

Floral tributes left outside the couple’s home, which is suspected to have been burgled

Detectives are also understood to be looking at whether another burglary earlier this month could be connected

Officers have also been working to understand the times when the couple were last seen alive – and believe Freda was last spoken to at around 6.40pm on Friday evening.

ACC Kirby added: ‘We know that Freda visited a neighbour in the late afternoon, leaving the house at around 4.55pm.

‘She walked back to her home and then was spoken to at 6.40pm.

‘The next time she was seen by anyone outside of her house was when she was found dead the next morning.

‘Officers need to speak to anyone who may have spoken to or seen Freda or Ken after that time on Friday evening.’

Anyone who may be able to help police is asked to contact the force quoting reference 240-150122. 

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