Three arrested over murder of horse rider
Police have arrested three people in relation to the murder of a horse rider in the New Forest.
Penelope Davis was found dead in a paddock near Leygreen Farm, north of Beaulieu on Tuesday afternoon (2 September). The police have now confirmed that the 47-year-old mother of five had suffered multiple stab wounds.
A statement released by Hampshire Police said that one person had been arrested on suspicion of murder, another for perverting the course of justice and a third on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All three suspects remain in custody and the family has been informed. Hampshire Police is continuing increased patrols in the area.
A statement released by the family through the police paid tribute to Pennie.
“We are devastated by the death of our beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend,” said the statement.
“Pennie was a remarkable person. She was a devoted mother of five children who worked hard to ensure that they had everything they needed. She cared for and supported them in everything they did.
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“In May she married her love, Pete, at a joyful occasion surrounded by her loved ones.
“Pennie was the kind of woman who once she became your friend she was a friend for life. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and grief that her death has caused.
“She was particularly close to her mother who is devastated by her death and who joins the whole family in appealing to everyone for help in finding the perpetrator of this crime.”
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.