Shocked family members gather at vigil for Swindon grandmother

Alison leaves behind eight children and a number of grandchildren, and the family are deeply rooted in Swindon.

The community of Parks rallied around the grieving family at the most tragic time, with messages of support flooding social media and filling a prayer book at the church.

One member of Alison’s family, who did not want to be named, said: “We are just completely shocked, and I don’t think it has really sunk in yet.

“She has a huge family, and most of us are from Swindon. She was absolutely lovely.”

A message written to her from Alison’s niece read: “Will remember you always, love you forever. RIP.”

Just yards from the scene of the devastating murder, members of the church tried their best to help the shocked community.

Linda Fletcher, the vicar of St John’s Church, said: “We are utterly shocked and saddened by what has happened. That is partly because, by and large, this is a good community. We do not expect something like this to happen here.

“As a church we are here for people if they want to come and light a candle or talk about what has happened or write something in our prayer book.

“We are as dismayed as everybody, and our hearts go out to her family and friends.

“Everyone is just really shocked, and there is a real heaviness out in the community today.

“In this community people are good at supporting each other. Life here is often quite hard for people, but they pull together in times like this.”

Messages of condolence also came from the political arena.

Coun Fay Howard (Liden, Eldene and Park South) says it is an extremely rare incident in Parks, or Swindon as a whole.

“I am so sorry to hear about this incident and my thoughts are with friends and family of those involved,” she said.

“I know the police will be conducting a very thorough investigation and urge the community to offer any assurance. Thankfully these incidents are very rare.”