Man charged with stabbing woman, 74, to death in park in 'stranger attack'

20 February 2023 , 09:44

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Police at the scene in Ludwell Valley Park, in Exeter (Image: TomWren SWNS)

Police have charged a man in connection with the death of a women in a park over the weekend.

Officers were called to the scene around 4pm on Saturday 18 February following reports of an assault in Ludwell Valley Park, in the Wonford area of Exeter.

Local woman Lorna England, 74, died at the scene.

Cameron Davis aged 30 of Exeter Road, Exmouth, has now been charged with murder. He was being held in remand and is due to appear before Exeter Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 20 February.

Devon and Cornwall Police earlier said they did not believe the man and woman were known to each other.

Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe

The force has created a Major Incident Public Reporting (MIPP) page as part of the investigation into this incident, allowing the public who may have information to directly send large files such as Doorbell, CCTV and Dashcam footage.

Police were called at around 4pm on Saturday following reports of an assault (TomWren SWNS)

Anyone with any information is asked to report this to Devon and Cornwall Police via the Major Incident Public Reporting site, under Operation Finnart.

Chief Supt Evans, speaking outside Exeter police station yesterday, revealed that an off-duty police officer spotted the suspect in the High Street in Exeter on Sunday evening.

He said: "The suspect was safety detained by armed officers outside the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter High Street. just after 9:30pm on Saturday, February 18.

Devon and Cornwall Police earlier said they did not believe the man and woman were known to each other (TomWren SWNS)

"A 30-year-old man from the Exmouth area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

"At this time we do not know the motive for the attack but we do not currently believe that the victim and suspect are known to each other.

"I would like to reassure people that this is an isolated incident but there be a heightened police presence in the city over the next few days. We are still searching the Wonford area as part of our investigation. We believe we may have located the knife believed to have been used in the attack and are retrieving this as we speak.

"Whilst we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence, it is vital that anyone with any information contacts us immediately.

"Whilst this type of incident is very rare, Wonford is a very close community and I know this death will be felt deeply by all who live in the area.

"My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim at this tragic time. We will be supporting them over the coming days and weeks with specially trained officers."

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