Exeter murder: Family’s heartbreaking tribute to Lorna England
The devastated family of a ‘beloved’ grandmother stabbed to death in a park today paid tribute to the ‘kindest, most generous and most beautiful loving lady’.
Lorna England, 74, was stabbed to death in Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter, Devon, on Saturday in a fatal attack that shocked the town.
His alleged killer, Cameron Davis, 30, of Exmouth, was charged with murder and appeared in court on Tuesday.
Now, Ms England’s heartbroken loved ones have spoken out, paying tribute to the retiree, hailed by neighbors as a “pillar of the community”.
In a statement issued by Devon and Cornwall Police, the family said: “On Saturday February 18, our loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Lorna England, was tragically and suddenly taken away.
Lorna England, 74, was stabbed to death in Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter, Devon, on Saturday. Her family has paid tribute today to the beloved grandmother
A police cordon was placed around the scene of the fatal attack in Exeter, Devon, where Mrs England lost her life.
‘Lorna was the most kind, generous and beautiful loving lady. Her energy and her enthusiasm for her life were contagious. As a family we are heartbroken by her death.
‘There are no words to describe the loss and impact. She meant the world to us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all the support, kind words and sympathy we have received.”
The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and come to terms with their loss.
Neighbors described Ms England as a ‘pillar of the community’, who were shocked and horrified by her murder.
The 74-year-old man was found with stab wounds in the park, in the Wonford area of the city, and police were called around 4 p.m.
Ms England died at the scene despite desperate attempts by the public and paramedics to save her.
The retiree’s death triggered a wave of grief, and locals left floral offerings at the site.
His suspected killer appeared before Exeter Magistrates Court on Monday.
Cameron Davis, 30, appeared before Exeter Magistrates Court accused of stabbing to death 74-year-old Lorna England.
Emergency crews attended but Ms England was found dead at the scene.
During the brief hearing, the bearded defendant spoke only to confirm his date of birth and address.
He appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday, where he was taken into custody ahead of his trial in August.
Chief Superintendent Dan Evans of Devon and Cornwall Police said the alleged attack was an “isolated incident”.
At a press conference on Sunday, he said: “While this type of incident is very rare, Wonford is a close-knit community and I know this death will be deeply felt by all who live in the area.”
“My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim at this tragic time.”
Neighbors have since paid tribute to Ms. England, hailing her as a “pillar of the community.”
He has lived here for years. We’ve lived here for quite some time, 14 years, and she used to walk by. She is one of those people who would have lived here forever,” said a neighbor, who asked not to be named.
“She was a very nice lady, I often chatted with her.” We used to go in and out of town by bus together quite often. She was a very intelligent lady.
Another anonymous neighbor said: ‘It’s shocking. I’ve known her since I moved there in 1974. Our children grew up together.
Police have created a Major Incident Public Reporting (MIPP) page as part of the investigation into this incident.
MIPP allows members of the public who may have information to directly submit large files, such as Doorbell, CCTV and Dashcam images, which could assist in a police investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to report this to Devon and Cornwall Police via the Major Incident Public Reporting site, under Operation Finnart.