‘Beautiful’ mum killed in street attack named and pictured for first time

Tributes have been paid to a “beautiful lively soul” who has died after being attacked on Wednesday night.

Police in Plymouth have launched a murder investigation after Claire Chick, 48, was attacked on Wednesday 22 January on West Hoe Road, just before 9pm.

Claire’s family have described their heart ache at losing their “go-to” who was “there for everyone.”

In a statement they said: “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.

“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.”

The distraught family also thanks others for their tributes and called on others to share their memories.

They said: “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’.”

The added: “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.”

Devon and Cornwall Police arrested Paul Antony Butler, 53, on suspicion of murder on Thursday.

On Thursday a large cordon as put in place as police continued their enquires. The following day, the cordon was lifted and officers were deployed to Marsh Mills, which the force confirmed was “part of ongoing inquiries into the Plymouth murder investigation”.

Ms Chick was a lecturer at the University of Plymouth and the learning establishment expressed their sorrow at the news of her passing.

The University of Plymouth’s vice-chancellor, Prof 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.”

He added: “”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.”