Man, 84, accused of woman's murder, dies

An 80-year-old man suspected of murdering a "loving mum" who was found dead at a property has died in hospital, police said.

The man had been arrested on suspicion of murder after Rita Rowley, 84, was found dead in Prees Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, on 27 January.

At the time, the man was found with serious injuries and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He died there on Friday, officers said.

Both deaths were referred to the coroner, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police said.

In a statement released last week, Mrs Rowley's family described her as a "loving mum" who volunteered for more than 20 years at an Age UK day centre in Whitchurch.

She worked as a seamstress and had "a great love of fashion", they said.

Police previously said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.