Detectives’ continued appeal over woman’s murder

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information after a woman was found deceased in Whittington, near Lichfield, last week.

Valerie Freer, 68, was pronounced deceased by paramedics after being found on her driveway on Lichfield Road in the village at around 10.42am on Thursday (24 February).

Her death is being treated as murder.

Officers are currently investigating the possibility that the murder is linked to a number of other suspicious incidents in the area since 9 February and these include two aggravated burglaries.

A red Peugeot 208 is believed to have been in the area during this period and is suspected to be involved in the other incidents.

Below is a generic stock photograph of the type of vehicle of interest.

 

The vehicle was hired in the London area on 9 February and is believed to have been driven by a white man, of slim-build, with thick dark hair and a foreign accent.

A 26-year-old man remains under arrest on suspicion of murder. Officers from Staffordshire Police are currently waiting to speak to this male in connection with Valerie’s death.

Detective Superintendent Tom Chisholm, head of the Major Investigation Department at Staffordshire Police, said: “We know that this incident will have deeply shocked the community and that is why work is continuing at pace to understand the timeline of events and the circumstances prior to Mrs Freer’s death.

“We need to understand the movements of the red Peugeot 208 which we believe had been in the area between 9 and 24 February.

“Anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary in the area, or a vehicle or person/s they didn’t recognise in the village between those dates is asked to contact us as soon as possible.”

Local officers remain in the area carrying out patrols and conducting door-to-door inquiries to reassure the community.

“We do not believe there is any wider threat to the community of Whittington at this time and I would like to thank local residents for their continued support.”

Valerie’s family and others affected are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Anyone who has any information is asked to visit the Major Incident Public Portal website at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/STAFFS22J01-PO1 or contact Staffordshire Police via 101 quoting incident number 195 of 24 February.