TREMOLAT, France — A 65-year-old British woman was discovered dead in an apparent violent assault, sparking a murder investigation in this quiet Dordogne town. Her lifeless body was located next to her vehicle by a friend who had arrived at her home.
Preliminary reports indicate that the woman sustained multiple injuries from a sharp object, with at least five distinct wounds marking her body. State prosecutor Sylvie Martins Guedes described the attack as indicative of a “particularly violent” confrontation, suggesting the perpetrator had a clear intention to cause lethal harm. “Investigations are underway to identify and capture the individual responsible for this tragedy,” Guedes said.
The victim, believed to have lived in the area for several years, had recently been in a relationship with a man who may have been with her on the night of the incident. Shortly before her discovery, the two had reportedly socialized with friends in Tremolat. The friend arrived at her residence only minutes after her, finding her collapsed beside her car. He immediately called for help and attempted to perform first aid but was briefly detained by authorities. He was later released after questioning.
At the scene, a noticeable amount of blood was reported in front of her home, indicating the severity of the attack. Local media highlighted the gruesome nature of the violence that took place, fueling concerns among residents.
The woman’s involvement in her community was known, as she participated in a local over-50s football team and recently competed in the South African Grandma’s World Cup. Fellow teammates expressed their shock and sorrow, describing the situation as “horrible,” and underscoring the warm-hearted nature of the victim.
Residents of Tremolat also echoed feelings of disbelief. “Everything was calm until late in the evening when I noticed police lights flashing,” said a neighbor who lived directly across the street. With a sense of unease, the neighbor recalled, “The police even knocked on my door later that night, but I hadn’t seen or heard anything unusual.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward, hoping to shed light on this tragic event that has shaken the usually tranquil atmosphere of Tremolat.