Man charged with murder of Walkley woman (updated with family statement)

Detectives investigating the death of a Walkley woman have this afternoon charged a man with murder.

Officers found the body of 57-year-old Margaret Hobson at her home address on Lister Road, Walkley, around 7.20am yesterday, Friday 18 May.

A post mortem took place yesterday and concluded that Margaret died from multiple stab wounds. Formal identification happened this morning. The scene on Lister Road was released this afternoon.

The 32-year-old man arrested in connection with Margaret’s death has now been charged with murder and is due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, 21 May.

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 162 of Friday, 18 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Statement from Michael Hobson, husband of Margaret Hobson, on behalf of their family:

"We are devastated at the loss of Margaret, our much loved, caring and thoughtful wife, mother and grandmother. Margaret died on Friday 18th May 2012 following tragic events at her home address, at Walkley, Sheffield.

"Margaret was so strong in recovering from serious illness and the shock of her untimely death has been so painful to us all. She brought so much joy to all of our lives and will be sorely missed.

"We are a close and private family and ask that our privacy is respected at this distressing time, so that we may grieve for our loss.

"We are being supported by the South Yorkshire Police, who are investigating these events and urge anyone, who has any information to assist, to contact the police."