MISSED CHANCE?
‘Lovely’ uni lecturer, 48, in contact with cops before being stabbed to death at home – as man, 53, arrested
Police arrested Paul Anthony Butler, 53, on suspicion of murder
A "LOVELY" woman stabbed to death at her home had previously made contact with police, it can be revealed.
University lecturer Claire Chick - formally known Butler - was fatally stabbed inside a property on West Hoe Road, in Plymouth, late on Wednesday night.
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Devon & Cornwall Police will now make a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of previous contact with Claire.
Dozens of armed officers were dispatched to the scene as around 20 cop cars arrived at 8.55pm and found the victim seriously injured in the street.
The lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University was rushed to hospital but tragically pronounced dead a short while later.
ARREST MADE
Police named Paul Anthony Butler, 53, as wanted in connection with the incident and launched an urgent manhunt.
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He is now in police custody having been arrested in Liskeard, Cornwall, around 20 miles from Plymouth, on suspicion of murder.
A local told the : "It's a huge shock, we only chatted to her a couple of days ago."
They recalled armed police raiding her home at around 10pm, as residents were told to stay indoors.
The witness claimed Claire had moved into the property "last week".
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Claire's devastated family have now paid tribute to the lecturer, saying: "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.
“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.”
Heartbroken friends have also paid tribute to the gran.
One person said: "Claire was my personal tutor in university and genuinely helped me through some truly difficult times.
"Always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. She was so proud when I finally graduated, and I told her that day that I could have never done it without her and I genuinely meant that.
"I cannot believe it. She was truly one of the most kind-hearted souls you’d ever meet and had so, so much going for her.
"She was an amazing tutor, phenomenal lecturer, and a phenomenal nurse. I’m so sorry to her family and those who loved her. Absolutely devastating."
Another said: "Claire was my personal tutor at uni and helped me through some really tough times.
"She was a beautiful, kind, amazing woman. What a waste of a life. Sending love to her family and friends. RIP angel."
A third added: "I am deeply saddened to hear about Claire's passing. She was such a sweet soul, and I had the privilege of being taught by her. Claire was not only a brilliant lecturer but also an inspiring presence.
"This news is truly heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time."
"Rest in peace Claire! You were an amazing lecturer, so kind and a beacon of sunshine. I’m so so sorry," shared someone else.
Others described Claire as "bubbly" and "inspirational" while helping her students through university.
A force spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with her family at this time who we are continuing to support.
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"Officers would like to thank the local community for their assistance and their patience while our enquiries continue into this incident."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to assist police is asked to contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting log number 756 of 22/01/25
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