DUNSTER this week was still reeling from the shock news of the violent death of one of its most popular residents, which has resulted in her husband being charged with murder.

Angela Webber, 77, a former parish councillor, was discovered in bed, seriously injured from stab wounds in her £600,000 detached home, Stag Cottage, St George’s Street, at 3am last Thursday, but paramedics were unable to save her and she died shortly afterwards.

Her husband, 78-year-old Hugh Webber, was arrested and has since been charged with murder. After appearing before Taunton magistrates last Saturday he was remanded in custody at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday to stand trial at Bristol on a date to be fixed.

Picturesque St George’s Street, one of Dunster’s quietest thoroughfares, was cordoned off by police for the next two days while forensic investigation teams searched the house and detectives questioned neighbours.

Detective Inspector Neil Meade, in charge of the case, told reporters: “The family has been informed and are receiving support from specially-trained officers. We believe it is an isolated incident but additional patrols are being carried out in the area.

“I urge anyone with concerns about what has happened to speak to officers who will provide any advice necessary.” This week, neighbours and friends the village were trying to come to terms with the tragedy. One, who asked not to be named, said: “Dunster is such a quiet and peaceful place and the Webbers fitted well into village life.

“She was such a nice chatty lady who was friends with everyone. Mr Webber was quieter and wasn’t seen out so much. He had serious problems with his health.”

The neighbour said that the couple, who had adult children now living away, had lived in the secluded house, hidden behind trees, for many years.

Several of Mrs Webber’s friends said they were too shocked and devastated to talk about the tragedy.

Dunster county councillor Christine Lawrence said Mrs Webber was “a lovely person who did a tremendous amount for the village and will be sadly missed. We worked together on Dunster parish council for many years.

“She was a busy lady who loved helping people and was involved in pretty well everything that happened in the village, from Dunster by Candlelight to organising the hanging baskets. She wanted the village to look its best the whole year round.”

Cllr Lawrence said there was still a sense of disbelief in Dunster over the tragedy. “A lovely elderly couple living peacefully in their charming cottage – and then this happens. It’s impossible to imagine what circumstances could cause such a thing.”

“I shall be thinking and praying for her friends and family in the weeks to come,” Cllr Lawrence said.

For more on this story, see this week’s West Somerset Free Press.