Pangbourne murder: Tributes to ‘lovely’ mum found stabbed in car | UK News

Tributes have been paid to a ‘lovely’ mum found stabbed to death near her home. 

Maya Bracken, 56, has been named locally as the woman discovered dead inside a crashed Lexus in the quiet village of Pangbourne in Berkshire, shortly before 6pm on Friday. 

Minutes later an 18-year-old man was killed by a train on nearby tracks in what police are treating as a linked incident. 

Neighbours on the ‘millionaires’ row’ where Ms Bracken lived have described her as ‘a very nice and kind woman who absolutely loved’ her three children. 

‘She would do anything for them, and they seemed to have a good relationship,’ one told The Sun. 

‘It’s so unexpected as they are such a lovely family. She was our friend.’ 

Another said the double tragedy had rocked the local community, telling the paper: ‘It’s horrible, I can’t believe what happened. 

‘We rushed out to help but the police were already here and then ambulances arrived. We were told to go home, and they cordoned it all off.’ 

Police and paramedics were first called to reports of a crash on the A340 Tidmarsh Road at the junction with Flower’s Hill on Thursday. 

They found Ms Bracken seriously wounded inside the car and treated her at the scene, but she was declared dead there shortly after. 

Half an hour later they were alerted to the discovery of a man on a railway track near Pangbourne.  

The man, 18, died at the scene. 

Thames Valley Police has said they believe the deaths are linked and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with them. 

Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of the major crime unit, said yesterday: ‘We have launched a murder investigation after the death of a woman near Flower’s Hill, Pangbourne, and the associated discovery of a deceased man at Pangbourne railway station. 

‘Firstly, I would like to send my condolences on behalf of the force to loved ones of both at this extremely difficult time. 

‘We are in the very early stages of this complex investigation, but we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with either death. 

‘We are still investigating but are treating the two deaths as linked; we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of each. There is no wider threat to the public from these sad and tragic incidents.’ 

He added: ‘After initial significant disturbance to the roads and railway network both scenes have been released and normal transport arrangements for both have resumed. I would like to say thank you to those affected for your patience. 

‘Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate, and we would advise anyone with any concerns to please speak to one of our uniformed officers.’ 

Neither victim has been formally identified but their next of kin have been informed, a force spokesman said. 

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