Tributes to ‘doting’ mum, 29, stabbed to death with four-month-old baby in her arms as man, 39, charged with murder
TRIBUTES have been paid to a “doting” mum who was stabbed to death with her four-month-old baby in her arms – as a man is charged with her murder.
Kimberley Deakin, 29, fled across a street in Stoke, Staffordshire on Friday afternoon and yelled “help, help” while covered in blood and carrying her baby daughter.
Ms Deakin collapsed onto the ground and later died from stab wounds after running from a house in Burslem at around 4.45pm.
Lewis Crofts, 39, has since been arrested and charged with Kimberley’s murder. Cops said the pair knew each other.
Kimberley’s devastated friends and family hugged each other and wiped away tears as they visited the place where she was was killed.
They looked at the house where the incident took place before fleeing with her four-month baby girl.
Do you know Kimberley Deakin? Would you like to pay tribute to her? Email ben.hill@news.co.uk or call 020 7782 4100
One neighbour told The Sun Online: “She seemed a doting mum who really loved her baby girl.
“You would see her smiling and talking to her.
“She was obviously a very loving mum. It’s tragic and must be devastating for her family.
“I think the boyfriend only moved in a few weeks ago.”
MURDER CHARGE
Meanwhile, Lewis Crofts, from Dorset, has today been charged with Kimberley’s murder.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: “[Kimberley’s] family are being supported by specially-trained officers at this time and we would kindly urge people to respect their privacy.
“A Home Office post mortem examination found the cause of Kimberley’s death to be stab wounds.”
Crofts will appear before North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Monday morning.
‘SHOUTING FOR HELP’
Neighbours have spoken out about the horrific scenes of Friday afternoon.
Sarah Horvath, 32, told The Sun Online: “Apparently she ran across the road with the baby in her arms.
“Some people said she was covered in blood when she ran. It’s just terrible but thankfully the baby is fine and with relatives.
“No one really knows her very well as she only moved in a few months ago. I think she was pregnant when she moved in.”
Next-door neighbour Ken Bradshaw, 77, said: “I know Kim has only been there for a few months.
“She seemed a lovely lady and the man moved in after the baby was born.
“I didn’t hear anything but when I looked out I saw a neighbour with the baby in her arms.
“It comes as a real shock.”
Another neighbour said: “She was shouting for help and ran across the road to get away. It’s horrible.
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Another neighbour, who did not wish to give his name, said: “I saw all the police in the street. People look stunned.”
Tributes and flowers were left at the scene on Saturday.
June Cartwright, who lives near to the scene, said: “This is such an awful thing to have happened and the community is in shock. My thoughts are with the woman’s family.”
