Police step up patrols after Langwith Junction tragedy - as court sketch reveals face of man accused of murder

Officers have increased foot patrols ‘to reassure the community’ and provide a more visible police presence.

It comes as a man appeared in court charged with murdering 86-year-old Freda Walker and attempting to kill her 88-year-old husband Ken.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police’s Bolsover and Clowne safer neighbourhood team said: “We are helping our neighbouring team in Shirebrook.

“We are out on foot patrols to provide a visible policing presence with a view of providing reassurance to the community due to the recent incident.

“If you see us out and about on foot say hello, we will happily stop and talk.”

Vasile Culea, aged 33, was arrested last week after Mrs Walker was killed in a violent attack at her home on Station Road on January 15.

The charity worker was discovered along with her husband, a member of Shirebrook Town Council, who remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Culea, of Grove Road, Church Warsop, appeared at Derby Crown Court for a short five-minute preliminary hearing this week, accused of murder and attempted murder.

Wearing a light blue jumper, jogging bottoms and a face mask, he was supported by a Romanian interpreter who spoke to him via a headset.

Culea only spoke to confirm his name to Judge Nirmal Shant QC before the case was adjourned for a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 25.

Assistant Chief Constable David Kirby, of Derbyshire Police, said last week that officers want to hear from anyone else who has information.

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