Villagers have been urged to lock their windows and doors after an elderly couple were brutally attacked in their home.
Freda Walker, 86, died after raiders targeted the neat semi-detached house she shared with ex-miner husband Ken, 88.
Detectives launched a manhunt for their attackers as distraught friends described the pensioners as a “lovely couple”.
Paramedics went to their house in Langwith Junction, Derbys, on Saturday morning after a neighbour raised the alarm.
They found Freda dead and Ken critically ill. Police said the elderly pair had suffered “horrific” injuries.
Chief Supt Hayley Barnett urged local residents to lock their doors and windows while detectives hunt for the attackers.
The Chief Superintendent said from the scene: "While I cannot talk about the mechanics of how the injuries happened, what I do urge people to do is to carry out good security in relations to their homes.
"Keep their doors and windows locked and do not let any strangers in. Don't keep any valuables on display.
"And to have a means of making contacting with emergency services if needs be.
"Investigators are looking at the broadest possible range of scenarios alongside other forces to consider whether or not there are any other offences that might be connected to this."
She went on to call the couple "well known" in the village, and said no arrests had yet been made.
Chief Supt Barnett appealed for homeowners to check CCTV and drivers who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.
She said detectives are working non-stop “to try and identify who is responsible for this horrific incident and to bring them to justice.”
Ken is the ex-chairman of Bolster District Council and was friends with the late Labour MP Dennis Skinner.
Freda was a keen fundraiser who was passionate about helping the homeless and those in need.
A note on a floral tribute left at the scene described her as someone “who would help anyone she could without hesitation”.
The devoted couple had been married for 64 years and had lived in the house since the 1960s.
A former neighbour told the Mirror: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking. You couldn’t have wished to know a nicer couple.”
Derbyshire Police confirmed they are not treating the murder as a “domestic incident”.
Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries can contact Derbyshire police, including reference 240-150122.
