Husband in post murder case tells of trauma

House-to-house inquiries and searches of the Village Shop and Post Office in Melsonby, North Yorkshire, where the body of Mrs Garbutt was found, are set to continue throughout the Easter weekend.

Mrs Garbutt, 40, was found dead in the upstairs living quarters of the post office in the village, to the north of Richmond, on Tuesday last week.

Her husband, Robin, 44, told police he discovered his wife's body after an armed raider confronted him in the store.

In a statement released through North Yorkshire Police yesterday, Mr Garbutt said: "The past week has been extremely difficult and traumatic for me.

"Di was my life and I am lost without her.

"I would like to express my gratitude for the support of my family, friends and the police," he added.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw, who is leading the investigation, yesterday confirmed officers had remained at the business and that forensic examinations and searches will continue.

"The investigation is very complex and it will take some time to complete all avenues of investigation," he added.

"We again express our thanks to the residents of Melsonby for their patience and understanding."

As part of the inquiry, specialist officers from West Yorkshire's underwater team have scoured a beck and gulleys for any evidence that might have been discarded

And earlier this week, officers carried out an early morning census of traffic, stopping cars travelling into and out of the village, exactly one week after Mrs Garbutt was found dead.

Her husband has told police he opened his shop at 4.30am, and was confronted by the masked raider, who was carrying a gun, later that morning.

The robbery happened as he opened up the post office part of the business.

Mr Garbutt claimed the raider entered the shop shortly after 8.30am and said "We've got your wife" before demanding cash from the safe.

The robber left with a substantial amount of cash in a holdall and Mr Garbutt went upstairs, where he found his wife lying in a pool of blood.

She was later confirmed to have died from severe head injuries though police have confirmed she had not been shot.

Mrs Garbutt's mother Agnes Gaylor has backed appeals by police for anyone with information about the robbery to come forward.

"The person who has taken my Diana's life has also destroyed my life, her husband Robin's life and the lives of so many other people who adored Diana," she said at a press conference in York last week.

And calling on anyone with information to come forward, she added "Someone you know may have Diana's blood on their clothes."

The village business was also targeted by armed robbers in March last year when two men, one brandishing what appeared to be a handgun, threatened staff and escaped with stamps and a large amount of cash.