A mother of two has died after being stabbed at a retirement village in Bridgend, South Wales, and then crashing her car into a wall as she tried to drive herself to hospital. Eleanor Barnfield, 47, was attacked while working at social housing flats for people over the age of 60.
Ms Barnfield was severely injured and bleeding when she got into her car on Monday morning. She managed to drive some way before reportedly collapsing at the wheel and crashing into a wall. Paramedics realised she had injuries unrelated to the crash when they arrived at the scene.
Arrest and Police Investigation
The mum was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead. A 61-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder. The incident took place while the carer was working at the Ger-y-Nant retirement village complex, which is run by Valleys to Coast housing association.
Police found Eleanor inside her car with "puncture wounds" and discovered the alleged knifeman barricaded in a room. Armed police arrived as residents were evacuated and reportedly picked up by their relatives, with the scene cordoned off.
Family Tribute and Timeline
Paying tribute, her family described her as the "kindest, most loving, bravest person in the world". They added: "She meant everything to us and will be forever loved and missed deeply by her devoted family and friends. She was our rock."
Ms Barnfield was a mile-and-a-half away from the Princess of Wales Hospital but crashed after just 300 yards when she reportedly collapsed and crashed into a wall. She reportedly made a 999 call at 11.25am which cut out shortly after she crashed.
Statements from Authorities
The Welsh Ambulance Service said they are investigating whether they received a 999 call. A spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing for this incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
South Wales Police said: "Officers were called to Coity Road, Bridgend at around 12:43pm on Monday October 19, following a report of a road traffic collision, wherein a car had collided with a wall. Upon attendance, officers identified that the driver had sustained puncture wounds unrelated to the collision. The woman was conveyed to hospital where despite the best efforts of medical staff she later died. The woman has been formally identified as 47-year-old Eleanor Barnfield from Bridgend who worked for Valleys to Coast. Eleanor's family continues to be supported by specially trained family liaison officers. Following a significant policing operation around Ger-y-Nant which is a Valleys to Coast property, a 61-year-old man from Bridgend has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody."
Valleys to Coast, which runs the retirement village, said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Bridgend on October 19 and can confirm that a member of our team was involved. Our thoughts are with our colleague's family, friends and everyone affected by this. We are working closely with South Wales Police and cooperating fully with their ongoing investigation."
Anyone with information or footage of the incident has been urged to contact police.
