A woman ‘killed’ in a disorder at her home in Swindon has been named by police as a mental health charity worker.
Sarah Forrester, 55, was found dead in the hallway of her house in Baydon Close, Moredon, at around 7pm on Friday evening (21 November).
A 13-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of murder and questioned in custody. She’s since been released on bail as the investigation continues.
According to several locals, the victim had at least two children living at home with her. Ms Forrester worked for mental health charity The Kelly Foundation.
A statement from the charity said everyone was “heartbroken at the sudden loss of our lovely Sarah”.
“She was completely committed to the charity and devoted to her two young children,” the charity said.
“Sarah was pivotal in the work that we do here at the Kelly Foundation and her loss is a hugely traumatic event, not just for us and her colleagues but more especially for her children and family.
“Sarah was an incredible person, kind, thoughtful, considerate, caring and funny and she embodied everything that we hope our charity is and can be.”
Speaking to Sky News, her friend Stuart Gould said he’d seen her shortly before her death.
He said: “I popped in to see her on Friday lunchtime to present her with a box of Maltesers as she has organised an event at the Pinetrees Community Centre for me.
“In my short time of knowing Sarah, she was a beautiful, enthusiastic woman who put [others before herself].
“On the Friday afternoon in question she was talking to two other ladies and helping them. It’s so sad.”
In a statement, a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “A woman who died following a disorder inside a property in Baydon Close, Swindon, on Friday evening (21/11) can now be named as Sarah Forrester, 55, from Swindon.
“Our thoughts are with all those who knew Sarah at this sad time.
“An investigation is continuing into her death, and a 13-year-old girl who was arrested in connection with it has since been bailed.
“A heightened police presence remains in the area while enquiries are carried out.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Guy Elkins said: “Our thoughts are with Sarah’s friends and family at this awful time.
“An investigation into her death is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team and local residents will continue to see increased policing activity in the area.
“A 13-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed and I can confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Sarah’s death.
“We continue to urge people not to speculate on the incident. We’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team, either by emailing or approaching our officers in person.”
