Open mind over death of mother, 107, and daughter

FRIENDS of a 107-year-old woman and her daughter, found dead in the same house, have spoken of their disbelief at the news of the double tragedy.

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed yesterday that officers had found the bodies of two elderly women at an address in Builth Wells in mid-Wales earlier this week.

The two women have been named by residents living locally as centenarian Barbara Innes and her 69-year-old daughter, Griselda Folkard.

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Detectives from the Welsh police force stressed that they are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of the two women’s deaths.

But while officers from Dyfed Powys Police have ruled out any third party involvement, friends have rubbished suggestions Griselda had killed her mother and then herself.

One elderly neighbour, who asked not be named, said: “Griselda was a lovely woman who always looked after her mother and did everything she could for her.

“There’s no way she would ever hurt her mother.

“Her mother’s ill-health has often worried Griselda. She often has said she would not know how to cope when her mother passed away.

“The pair were very close.

“It’s such a tragic thing to happen.”

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Emergency services were called to the women’s home in the centre of Builth Wells at about 10am on Monday.

Eye-witnesses reported seeing ambulances arrive – although neighbours feared both mother and daughter were already dead by that stage.

Police officers carried out door-to-door inquiries yesterday and while forensic experts conducted initial tests and examinations at the property.

As well as awaiting the results of post mortem, a key part of the police’s investigation will hinge on forensic material which is being collated from the scene.

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However, Dyfed Powys Police decided against making a public appeal for information on the tragedy and instead waited until yesterday afternoon before issuing a statement.

A spokeswoman for the police force said: “Officers are investigating the sudden deaths of two elderly women from Builth Wells. “Their bodies were discovered at their home on Monday April 8 shortly after 10am.

“The women, a mother and daughter, were aged 107 and 69.

“Post mortems have taken place and inquiries are continuing.”

The spokeswoman for the Dyfed Powys force, which has the largest geographical area to cover out of Wales’ four police forces, also said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

“They are not believed to be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning,” the spokeswoman added.

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