Neighbours of a retired nurse who passed away on June 3 in a bungalow in Bournemouth have paid tribute to the ‘lovely lady’.
The couple, who lived at the £500,000 property, were named as Grenville and Betty Richlings by their neighbours.
Tom Allen, 92, who has known the couple for 20 years said: ‘They are lovely people. We have been in the area the longest and we’ve known them since they moved in.
‘Grenville was a retired policeman and there are five coppers in my family so we instantly hit it off.
‘Betty was absolutely lovely, it’s an awful shock.
‘She was frail and sick the last few years but she was always lovely to talk to. She walked by with a friend just last week. She volunteered at the local hospital even after retiring.’
Police were alerted to the address after concerns were raised over an elderly lady at 7pm on June 3
A man in his 80s known to the woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital for treatment
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of Dorset Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the woman who has sadly died’
A friend living opposite the couple said: ‘I didn’t see it or hear anything. We were woken up by all the police and ambulances though. I had never seen so many. I can only guess that something major has happened, some accident in the house.’
Another woman neighbour said: ‘They are the nicest couple you would ever meet. He is a retired policeman and she is a retired nurse.
‘I didn’t hear anything and I can’t imagine what could have happened. It’s a horrible mystery.’
Dorset Police were alerted to the property in Roscrea Drive, Southbourne, Bournemouth after concerns were raised for the welfare of the elderly woman at approximately 7pm on June 3.
The body of the elderly lady was found inside and the suspect, also aged in his 80s, was arrested on suspicion of murder before being taken to hospital for treatment.
Police confirmed that the family of the woman had been informed and specially-trained officers and providing support for them.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of Dorset Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the woman who has sadly died.
‘We have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened.
‘I am keen to hear from anyone locally who may have information that may assist our enquiries.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and officers can be approached by any member of the public with information or concerns.’
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
