Killings: police name grandmother victims
Dec 6 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal
TWO grandmothers killed in Tyne and Wear in one night were named by police last night.
The victims were confirmed as Williamina Valentine, 84, of Cleghorn Street, Heaton, Newcastle, and Shirley Elliott, 43, of Hazel Grove, Leam Lane, Gateshead.
They were killed within hours of each other on Thursday evening.
Mrs Valentine was found in her home at 5.30pm. She was unconscious and attempts to revive her failed.
Her husband, Ronnie, died two years ago.
A 46-year-old man, believed to be her son, David, has been arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.
Her friend and neighbour Josephine Bright, 64, said yesterday: “I have known them for 28 years, you couldn’t meet nicer people.
“She was taken into hospital this summer with what I believe were stomach problems, but I think she developed pneumonia when she was in there.”
Mrs Valentine had another son, called Brian and a daughter called Susan. Hours after Mrs Valentine was found, police were alerted to another incident in Gateshead.
Ms Elliott had suffered multiple stab wounds and was found lying on the pavement.
It is thought that Ms Elliott, who had just become a grandmother, had been involved in a dispute earlier in the day.
She had three children, one son and two daughters, aged 21, 18 and 13.
Two men have been arrested and are being questioned by police.
A neighbour, Roshea Tierney, 30, said: “We were just over at the park last night and then we saw lots of police cars arriving.
“She was a very timid, weak woman but she was really nice.
“It’s just horrible what happened to her. She had never been in any trouble in her life.
“She doted on her children. She was just trying her best to bring them up, even when she had problems herself.”
Police moved to reassure people in the wake of the killings, stressing that they were unconnected.
Supt Peter Farrell said: “While the occurrence of two murders in one night is a matter of concern, neither is believed to be the result of an attack by a stranger.”
Anyone with information on the Gateshead murder is asked to contact detectives on 03456 043 043.
