Armed robber tried to hold up ASDA before young woman's body found in his home
A woman found dead in a house after a suspected armed robber tried to hold up a supermarket has been named locally as Courtney Angus - described by neighbours as a 'beautiful girl with a beautiful soul'.
Police have launched a murder investigation following the horror discovery at a terraced house in Batley, West Yorkshire, where the 21-year-old was found on Saturday. The man arrested in connection with her death had allegedly earlier pulled a knife while shoplifting at an ASDA supermarket in Dewsbury. After his arrest, the suspect reportedly told police that a woman was dead inside a nearby property. Officers forced entry to the home on Norfolk Street and found Courtney's body inside. Flowers have since been left outside the home with forensic specialists continuing to comb the scene. Police confirmed the 37-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Courtney's stepfather, Andy Ledgard, today paid a moving tribute. 'She was just a lovely girl who has her life taken away before she had a chance,' said Andy, 58, who laid flowers at the scene.
'I loved her and took her on as my own. I don't know what she was doing at that man's house. She did not deserve to die. I'm dreadfully upset and just want answers. I've not slept for two days.' He added that he is not Courtney's biological father, but is named on her birth certificate and has her name tattooed on his stomach.
Courtney, from Dewsbury, is believed to be one of at least three sisters. Her sibling Chloe posted a heartfelt message about sisterhood on Facebook, which was met with messages of condolence. Police said formal identification has not yet taken place, but tributes have poured in online. One friend wrote: 'Love you in a million ways and I'll miss you in a million more.'
The man arrested is believed to live alone at the Norfolk Street address, having previously lived there with two former partners and three children. His most recent partner is understood to have moved out with their kids a few months ago.
Neighbours said the suspect worked various jobs, including recently starting a window-cleaning round. One neighbour, Adil Hussein, said: 'He's had a few jobs over the years, factories and building jobs. He is an odd job man. Last Friday, the day before all this, he came round offering to clean my windows for £10.'
'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."
Adil said the suspect had friends over for drinks and barbecues but was generally quiet. 'I never saw a girl there."
Children's soft toys were visible in an upstairs window of the house, but no children were present when police arrived. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that shortly after 9.21pm on Saturday, they responded to the armed robbery call at ASDA, about half a mile from the address. Two other people who police had initially feared may have come to harm are no longer being sought.
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. A murder investigation is underway [but] we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public at this time."
Police are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward.
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