An 84-year-old woman, originally from Malta, has been murdered in her home in the quiet village of Prees Higher Heath, North Shropshire. The victim, named locally as Rita Rowley, was rarely seen outside and had not been spotted by neighbours since Christmas. A local press report can be read here.
Police were called to the detached property at around 3 pm on Tuesday, 3rd February, following a concern-for-safety report. An 80-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder but was taken to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, where he remains in a serious condition.
Mrs Rowley had lived at the property for more than 40 years. She previously lived there with her husband, Wilfred, who died in a car crash in 2002, and later with a partner of around 15 years. Neighbours described the couple as quiet and said they largely kept themselves to themselves.
A former trustee at an Age UK day centre, Mrs Rowley, stopped volunteering around 18 months ago after being diagnosed with dementia. Fellow trustee David Hack described her as “very caring” and someone who “liked a joke”. He said she had also battled cancer in recent years and had family in Malta, where she was originally from.
Several neighbours said they rarely saw Mrs Rowley and were largely unaware of the man she lived with. The couple were last seen together before Christmas, delivering cards around the cul-de-sac.
Forensic teams remain at the house, and there has been a continued police presence in the area. West Mercia Police confirmed the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and that her next of kin have been informed. Enquiries are ongoing, and officers have reassured residents that there is no wider risk to the public.
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