Mother's tribute to murdered daughter

THE heartbroken mother of murder victim Dawn Walker has told of her torment at her beloved daughter's brutal killing.

Jean Walker paid tribute to the 37-year-old's “zest for life” as police divers began scouring the river near where her body was found in the hunt for clues to find her killer.

Fitness fanatic Miss Walker's burned remains were discovered at an isolated spot close to the River Lark, near Fornham Park, last Friday.

Her mother, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, praised witnesses who had come forward to help the police in the murder hunt and told of her sorrow at the tragedy.

She said in a statement: “Dawn was a loving daughter who gave the family so much to remember her by. She grew up with a zest for life and achieved so much. She viewed life as a challenge which she faced head on.

“The family loved and admired her. Dawn's life has been tragically cut short at a time when she still had so much to offer. She will always be greatly missed by those who knew her.

“She was a role model for her sister, Kirsty, and at one time worked alongside her at a holiday camp (in Norfolk). Dawn always had a thought for others.”

Mrs Walker described her daughter, a former pupil at Bury's King Edward VI School, as “hard working” and “independent”.

“Dawn was able to fulfil many of her ambitions in life,” she said.

“Dawn enjoyed attending a fitness club and being amongst friends. She also enjoyed rock climbing and keeping fit.

“Dawn travelled on holiday twice a year to different locations in order to practice her love of scuba diving.

“Although Dawn was a single person she had a love for her friends' children and would join in with their play.

“We would like to thank everyone who has come forward to help with the police investigation into Dawn's death and all those people who have offered support at this time of our great loss. We have received many messages and cards which we welcome.”

A team of police divers yesterday searched the River Lark close to where Miss Walker's body was found by a member of public at about 5.10pm on Friday, February 4.

Det Supt Roy Lambert, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “The Norfolk Underwater Search and Recovery Unit has been conducting a search of the River Lark.

“A 60-metre stretch of river, about one to one-and-a-half metres deep, was searched by a team of six specialist divers to determine if there was anything relevant to the investigation in the water.”

Police said Miss Walker, a printer's assistant who lived in Fornham St Martin, was last seen at 9.30pm on Wednesday, February 2 - and police have admitted they still do not know what happened in the last hours of her life.

As investigations continue, police yesterday renewed appeals for witnesses and said they were particularly keen to trace two people heard arguing close to Ms Walker's home in Oak Close less than an hour after she was last seen on February 2.

Det Supt Lambert said: “Although we have had a positive response from the public to date we are still keen to hear from anyone who feels they may have information relating to this offence. No matter how trivial you think that information might be we would urge you to contact us.

“As yet we have been unable to trace the people who were heard arguing near Oak Close on Wednesday evening at about 10.15pm. If you were these people or you heard the argument, which we believe went on for several minutes, we need to hear from you.

“We are still trying to trace anyone who saw Dawn between Wednesday and Friday to try and help us piece together her movements. You could have that vital bit of the jigsaw that could help us solve this offence.”

Police stopped almost 3,500 motorists in the Suffolk village asking them for information while a mobile unit has also been set up at Fornham All Saints Post Office.

Anyone with information should contact Bury St Edmunds Police on 01473 613999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.