Man Charged with Murder Following Axe Attack in Dartmouth

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in an alleged axe attack in Dartmouth, Devon. Emergency services responded to a property at 9:20 PM on Tuesday, where 46-year-old Rebecca Grass was found deceased. Luke Rigby, 38, from Dartmouth, has been charged with her murder and is scheduled to appear before Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Saturday. In addition to the murder charge, Rigby faces charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and three separate alleged offences including assault by beating, a racially aggravated public order offence, and assault on an emergency worker. He remains in police custody. Police have not disclosed details regarding the suspected weapon or a possible motive, although neighbors reported seeing an individual with an axe in the vicinity at the time of the incident. A local business owner expressed concern, stating that the news of the alleged attack was distressing for the community. Grass's family has been notified and is receiving support from specially trained officers. Her son, Reece Romeril, shared a tribute to his mother, describing the situation as 'terrifying' and expressing his grief. He has initiated a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. Witnesses reported a significant emergency response in the area, with multiple police vehicles and ambulances present during the incident.