Tributes to ‘lovely’ widow, 91, and her retired ‘golf-loving’ daughter, 63, who were found dead at their bungalow on New Year’s Eve

By Claire Duffin[1] and James Tozer[2]

Published: 10:47, 2 January 2024 | Updated: 10:47, 2 January 2024

Tributes have been paid to a 'lovely' widow and her retired golf enthusiast daughter who were found dead in their bungalow on New Year's Eve.

Joyce Wilshaw, 91, and Karen Wilshaw, 63, were discovered at their dormer bungalow on New Year's Eve.

Emergency services were called to the property in the village of Cheadle, Staffordshire, at 3pm where they found a woman's body.

The other victim had been seriously injured. But despite efforts by paramedics, she was declared dead 50 minutes later. Yesterday, a man, 68, remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder.

Neighbours have paid tribute to Mrs Wilshaw, describing her as a 'lovely woman'.

91-year-old Joyce Wilshaw was killed in her home on New Years Eve

Her 63-year-old daughter Karen Wilshaw was also killed at the property

Ted Clowes said: 'What a thing to happen on New Year's Eve.

It's terrible.

'The first we heard was the air ambulance landing. Then we came out and there was quite a number of emergency vehicles. I think there were 12 in all in the end.'

He added: 'Joyce was a lovely woman.

My wife used to go and sit with her but she didn't go as much when [Mr Harrison and Ms Wilshaw] moved in. I would see Karen pushing her mother down the street to town. It's so very sad and such a shock.

It's a lovely street. Everyone knows everyone.'

Another neighbour said: 'We saw the helicopter from our home. It startled us and we came out to have a look.

I don't know what's happened. You just don't expect it up here. It's so dreadful.'

A friend said that Mrs Wilshaw had been 'excited and happy' when her daughter and partner moved in with her.

And a member of the golf club said: 'They [Mr Harrison and Ms Wilshaw] were very well-liked and respected and good golfers.'

Lesley Armstrong and her mother Jackie were neighbours of Mr Harrison and Ms Wilshaw before they moved away.

Ms Armstrong said: 'Ralph was working and Karen decided to resign because she worked in London.

She decided to retire and then went back up to Staffordshire as her mum had plenty of space for them. They had some kind of business. I can't remember what it was.

It was a small business and Joyce couldn't really manage by herself so they decided to move to assist her. The decision to move was very sudden.'

She added: 'Karen used to come in for coffee and mum and dad used to go next door for dinner and [Mr Harrison and Ms Wilshaw] would come over here for dinner in return. They were great people, we got on really well with them.'

Detectives are 'keeping an open mind regarding the circumstances leading up to the women's deaths', Stafford- shire Police said.

Karen's partner Ralph Harrison, 68, also lived at the Cheadle property

A police forensic team walk around the property in Cheadle

Mrs Wilshaw, a wheelchair user, lived alone for many years after her husband died in 2008 before her daughter and husband Ralph Harrison, 68, sold their home in Aldershot, Hampshire, and moved into the bungalow to take care of her.

Mr Harrison is believed to have served as a military policeman before taking up employment in IT in west London.

Ms Wilshaw is understood to have worked in London for a Government minister before deciding to retire and move in with her mother.

Both were keen golfers.

Mr Harrison was a former director of nearby Leek Golf Club, while Ms Wilshaw had previously served as ladies secretary.

A 68-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder

Yesterday, a section of the lane near the property remained cordoned off by police.

A number of forensics officers could be seen going in and out of the property, while a white police tent had been put up at the back.

A white Mercedes and a silver Volvo were parked at the front.

Post-mortem examinations were due to be carried out today.

Staffordshire Police issued an appeal for anyone with information or doorbell or dash cam footage to come forward.

A large police presence remains in the area following the incident

References

1. ^ Claire Duffin (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ James Tozer (www.dailymail.co.uk)