POLICE inquiries were continuing yesterday (Thursday) into the circumstances surrounding the murder of a 56-year-old woman at a remote Exmoor cottage last Saturday.

Debbie Zurick died from gunshot wounds outside the cottage on the Nethercote estate, Winsford, which until recently she had shared with her husband, 67-year-old John.

Mr Zurick was found in a nearby barn with serious shotgun injuries. He was arrested and airlifted to hospital in Exeter, where he was yesterday said to be critical but stable.

The couple ran a successful dog-breeding and training business at the cottage, part of a group of properties owned by Stanley Johnson and his family, including the Prime Minister.

Mrs Zurick, who had trained a spaniel puppy for Princess Anne, had been living in Ireland but returned last Saturday with a friend to collect some possessions when the alleged attack took place.

Despite emergency treatment by paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

This week, the Prime Minister’s father Stanley told the BBC: “Both I and my whole family are shocked, stunned and saddened by this tragic incident.

“We very much regret the passing of Mrs Zurick. She was a neighbour and she was much loved.”

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman told the Free Press yesterday that the murder scene would remain cordoned off for more forensic examination.

Further developments would depend on the results of Mr Zurick’s emergency treatment and inquiries carried out over the next few days.

More on this story in today’s Free Press.