Wisbech murder: Hairdresser pays tribute to victim widow Una Crown

Una Crown with her late husband Jack. Archant

Police continue to carry out tests on Knife found near Cambridgeshire crime scene as officers question motorists and pedestrians in Magazine Lane

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A hairdresser who saw murdered widow Una Crown just two days before she was found dead has paid tribute to the 86-year-old.

Cheryl McDonnald, had cut the hair of murdered Wisbech widow Una Crown every fortnight for the last two decades.

Mrs McDonald, from Team Spirit hairdressers, in Norfolk Street, said the news of Mrs Crown’s murder had left staff shocked and devastated.

The widow’s death was originally treated as unexplained, but a post-mortem revealed she died as a result of stab wounds to her neck and chest. Her clothing had also been set alight, in an apparent attempt by the killer to disguise her injuries.

“She was a regular customer and I used to do her late husband’s hair as well,” she said. “I have been doing her hair for 20 years and she used to come in once a fortnight.

“She was a lovely person, it’s just so tragic. It has been a huge shock and we’re all devastated here. It has affected us all quite deeply.”

Mrs Crown visited Team Spirit last Friday afternoon before being picked up by taxi driver Sue Patrick, from Acme Cabs.

Mrs Patrick said: “I got the call at 2pm to pick her up. Our company had taken her there in the morning. I had done so several times but I did not know her very well.

“We had to go a different way to what we normally do to take her home due to some traffic works.

“As Mrs Crown got out of the car I saw her bend down and pick something up. She wasn’t troubled by it and went into the house.

“I have spoken to police about possibly being the last person to see her.”

Friday was the last time Mrs Crown was seen alive, but she spoke to a friend by telephone at about 5pm on Saturday.

Police and forensic officers are continuing to investigate the area around her bungalow.

Tests are being carried out on a knife, found in a street close to Magazine Lane, to see if it is linked to the murder.

Officers will be stopping motorists, cyclists and walkers in the area over the weekend asking people whether they remember seeing anything suspicious.

Mrs Crown, who lived alone, ran Elm Post Office with her husband Jack, who was known as Ron, for many years.

Anyone with any information should call the Major Crime Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.