Man, 53, charged with murder of university lecturer Claire Chick

A 53-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a university lecturer, Devon and Cornwall Police have said.

Claire Chick, 48, was found injured on West Hoe Road, Plymouth, at 8.55pm on Wednesday.

Ms Chick, who taught at the University of Plymouth's nursing school after a career in nursing, was taken to hospital but died on Thursday.

Paul Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, has been charged with her murder and is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He was arrested in the Liskeard area of Cornwall, which is about 20 miles from Plymouth, police said.

Ms Chick, previously known as Claire Butler, had five grandchildren who call her "favourite grandma", according to her family.

Her family added: "We are absolutely devastated and broken at the loss of our beautiful caring mother Claire Chick.

"She was the most beautiful, lively soul and was there for everyone."

Describing Ms Chick as the "glue" and their "go-to" they said: "We will never get over this as a family.

"We won't ever get the justice our mum deserves for this because no amount of justice will bring her back.

"She may be gone but her spirit will always remain alive. We love you mum, and we promise to make you proud."

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Detective Inspector Rob Smith added: "We continue to support Claire's family at what is an extremely awful time for them. I would ask for their privacy to be respected and to allow them the space to grieve."

He urged the public to share any relevant information with police.

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