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Sunday, 19 May, 2002, 10:16 GMT 11:16 UK
Prayers for murdered pensioners
Elise Davies and Joseph Ashton graphic
Churchgoers in a north Wales town have said prayers for two pensioners murdered at a farm.

Respects were paid to Elsie Davies, 88, and Joseph Ashton, 82, who were found dead at Tower Farm, Llangollen, on Wednesday.

Caravan park at Tower farm
Mrs Davies ran a caravan park at the farm

The elderly victims were remembered during a service at St Collen's Church led by vicar Wilfred Jones.

A 20-year-old man has been charged with the murders of the two pensioners.

Farmhand Martin Cartwright, from Wolverhampton, was arrested on Wednesday night.

He was remanded in custody pending a crown court hearing on 22 May.

Multiple injuries

An inquest into the deaths was opened and adjourned on Friday.

Mr Ashton, from Warrington, Cheshire, was found dead in the kitchen of the farmhouse.

Mrs Elsie Davies
Elsie Davies had lived on the farm for 60 years

Mrs Davies, who owned the property, was found in the cowshed on the same day.

She had lived at the farm for more than 60 years.

The results of a post mortem examination revealed both victims died of multiple injuries.

The type of weapon used is not yet known.

'Recluse'

One of Mrs Davies' neighbours said: "She has lived here longer than any of us can remember, certainly more than 60 years.

"She was married but lost her husband Ben a long time ago.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod site
The International Eisteddfod site is nearby

"She kept to herself most of the time and was a bit of a recluse, really," they added.

Joseph Ashton was described by police as "a family friend who helped out at the farm from time to time" but lived outside north Wales.

Welsh Assembly member Karen Sinclair, who lives one mile from the murder scene, said the Llangollen community was in shock.

Anyone with information should contact North Wales Police on 01978 294590.


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