A 21-year-old woman found dead in a terraced house following a suspected armed robbery at a West Yorkshire supermarket has been named locally as Courtney Angus, described by grieving family and friends as “a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul”.
Police launched a murder inquiry after discovering the young woman’s body at a property on Norfolk Street, Batley, on Saturday night, shortly after arresting a 37-year-old man for an alleged armed robbery at an Asda store in nearby Dewsbury.
The tragic discovery has left the close-knit community in shock, with flowers already being laid outside the end terrace property where Courtney, from Dewsbury, was found.
“Free Spirit Full of Life”
Courtney’s devastated stepfather, Andy Ledgard, 58, who has her name tattooed on his stomach, paid an emotional tribute to the young woman he raised as his own daughter.
She was just a lovely girl who has her life taken away before she had a chance,” said Mr Ledgard, who revealed he is named on Courtney’s birth certificate despite not being her biological father. “I loved her and took her on as my own.”
The grieving stepfather, who has not slept for two days since hearing news of the murder, described Courtney as “a free spirit and full of life.
“I don’t know what she was doing at that man’s house. She did not deserve to die,” he added. “I’m dreadfully upset and just want answers.”
Arrested Man Named Locally as “Michael”
The incident unfolded at approximately 9.21pm on Saturday when West Yorkshire Police responded to reports of an armed robbery at the Asda store in Dewsbury. Officers attended the scene, arrested a man, and seized a knife.
Following his arrest, the man disclosed to officers that a woman, who he believed to be deceased, was inside a property on Norfolk Street, Batley. Officers rushed to the address, approximately half a mile from the supermarket, where they made the grim discovery.
Neighbours have identified the arrested man as “Michael”, describing him as an odd-job man who had recently started a window cleaning round in the area. The 37-year-old had lived in the stone-built house for around five years.
Adil Hussein, who lives next door, told reporters: “I knew him as Michael. He’s had a few jobs over the years, factories and building jobs. Last Friday, the day before all this, he came round offering to clean my windows for £10.”
Recent Break-up and Depression
According to neighbours, the suspect’s most recent partner had moved out with their children approximately two months before the incident. Mr Hussein revealed that Michael had seemed depressed about the break-up, which he said was related to drug use.
His most recent partner moved out about two months ago and took the two kids she had with Michael with her,” Mr Hussein explained. “He is a nice enough guy. Never knew him to get into any trouble or be violent. Certainly never thought he would carry knives or hurt anybody.”
The neighbour added: “He did seem depressed about the break up, which was to do with his drug habit, he told me. I think he smoked weed.”
Children’s soft toys could be seen at an upstairs bedroom window of the property, belonging to Michael’s children who were not present at the time of the incident.
Community in Mourning
The tight-knit community has been left reeling by the tragedy, with tributes pouring in for Courtney on social media. One friend wrote: “Love you in a million ways and I’ll miss you in a million more.”
Courtney’s sister Chloe posted a poignant message about sisterhood on her Facebook page, which was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and family.
Courtney is believed to be one of at least three sisters, and whilst formal identification has yet to take place, local residents and family friends have confirmed her identity.
Police Investigation Continues
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Bates said: “This is clearly a very serious incident, where a young woman has lost her life”. There is a heightened police presence in Dewsbury today as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
Following extensive enquiries, West Yorkshire Police confirmed on Monday that initial information suggesting two other people had been seriously harmed was not accurate. The force added that officers would like to reassure the local community that there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public at this time.
The 37-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of murder and robbery. Forensic specialists have been seen at the Norfolk Street address, where police gained access by smashing through the front door.
Calls for Information
Major roads around the Asda store in Dewsbury were cordoned off throughout Sunday, causing significant disruption to the area. Kirklees Council advised residents to avoid the vicinity, whilst local bus services were diverted.
Police have made an urgent appeal for anyone with information to come forward. “We are also looking for any CCTV, doorbell and dash cam footage people might have to help our investigation”, Detective Chief Inspector Bates said.
Neighbour Adil Hussein revealed a disturbing detail about the suspect’s behaviour, stating: “He was cruel to animals. He used to beat his pet dog and would not feed his cat, Peggy, we ended up feeding her twice a day.”
Despite this, Mr Hussein described Michael as “really good as a neighbour, quite helpful”, and said he had hosted friends for barbecues and parties at the property, though “nothing too much.
Local residents confirmed that Courtney had not been seen visiting the property previously and was not living there, raising questions about the circumstances that led to her presence at the house on Saturday night.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or via the Live Chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus, quoting crime reference 13250426256. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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