A 53-year-old man has been charged with murder after a university lecturer was killed in Plymouth.
Claire Chick, 48, was found seriously injured on West Hoe Road on Wednesday night, sparking a large-scale police manhunt.
Ms Chick, a lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University, was rushed to hospital but was tragically pronounced dead on Thursday.
Paul Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, was arrested on Thursday evening around 20 miles away in the Liskeard area of Cornwall.
He has now been charged with her murder and is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Ms Chick, previously known as Claire Butler, had five grandchildren who call her ‘favourite grandma’, according to her family who released a heartbreaking tribute this week.
In a statement, issued via Devon and Cornwall Police, the family said: ‘We are absolutely devastated and broken at the loss of our beautiful caring mother Claire Chick.
Claire Chick, 48, a lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University, was killed in the West Hoe area on Wednesday night
Paul Butler (pictured), 53, was named as the only suspect with police confirming that he has now been charged
‘She was the most beautiful lively soul and was there for everyone. Everyone who knew our mum had so much positive words to say about her.
‘She was the life and soul of any place where she was.
‘She loved to dance and sing even though she was pretty bad at it she had no shame in doing it in front of any audience.
‘We will never get over this as a family, she was our glue and our go-to. We won’t ever get the justice our mum deserves for this because no amount of justice will bring her back.
‘We want to thank everyone for their kind words, and we invite anyone who knew her to share their memories of her.
‘We also would like to remind the public she leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren who all refer to her as ‘a favourite grandma’.
‘We ask you respect their privacy, and everyone remains respectful to them.
‘She may be gone but her spirit will always remain alive. We love you mum, and we promise to make you proud.’
Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Davies said: ‘We have been shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member of our university community.
‘Having spoken with Claire’s colleagues, I know that her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt – she was a respected nurse, lecturer, and personal tutor, ensuring students were supported academically and pastorally.
‘As associate head of school for international in our school of nursing and midwifery, she was closely involved in developing nursing programmes, students and academics in Europe, Africa and Asia.
‘As a colleague, Claire’s humour and warmth will be dearly missed by academic and support staff.
‘Pastoral support is in place for staff and students who knew Claire and have been affected by this tragic news, and further events are being organised to remember her.
‘In the meantime, our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.’
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Smith said: ‘We have specialist officers in place to continue to provide support to Claire’s family.
‘Our investigation is ongoing, and I would like to thank the local community for their support whilst we have carried out our enquiries over the past few days.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
