Susan Watson, a 61-year-old grandmother and longstanding Samaritans volunteer, has been found dead at a property in Carlisle, prompting a murder investigation by Cumbria Police after a man known to her was arrested and later released on bail.
A “much-loved” grandmother has been found dead at a property in Carlisle, with police launching a murder investigation and arresting a man known to her in connection with the case. Susan Watson, 61, was found dead at the address on Sunday, 2 August, Cumbria Police said. A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released on bail while detectives continue their enquiries. Her heartbroken family have paid tribute to her as a devoted mother, grandmother and community volunteer who was “always the first to offer a helping hand.”
Police investigation
Cumbria Police confirmed they are treating Susan’s death as a murder investigation, with detectives and specialist forensic officers carrying out extensive examinations at the property in an effort to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death. A post-mortem examination has been carried out, with further tests expected to help determine the precise cause of death.
Officers have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation and believe it to be an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public. Police have also asked people to “refrain from speculation whilst the investigation is ongoing.” No charges have been brought at this stage, and enquiries remain ongoing while officers continue to gather evidence and await further forensic results.
A life dedicated to helping others
Susan’s family described her as a devoted presence in the lives of those around her. In a tribute, they said: “Family meant everything to her, and she was never happier than when she had the people she loved around her. She absolutely adored being a Grandma and treasured every moment she spent with her grandchildren.”
They went on to describe her instinct to help others as central to who she was: “Helping people was simply who Susan was. She always put other people before herself and was the first to offer a helping hand, whether it was family, friends, neighbours or complete strangers. She never expected anything in return and never wanted recognition. She just believed that if someone needed help, you helped them.”
Years of volunteering with the Samaritans
Susan was a long-serving volunteer with the Samaritans, regularly giving up her evenings to offer a listening ear to people in emotional distress at Carlisle railway station. She also volunteered at the charity’s local shop, and was widely known for her compassion and willingness to listen to anyone who needed support.
A trusted figure in her community
Professionally, Susan worked as a foot practitioner in Carlisle, where her family said she built lasting friendships with many of her patients and often went well beyond the expectations of her role. “Looking after other people came naturally to her,” her family said. “She often went far beyond what anyone would expect, picking up shopping for people who couldn’t get out, checking in on those who were struggling, and making sure nobody felt alone or forgotten. If someone was going through a difficult time, she would open her home and do whatever she could to help.”
Her family added that Susan’s generosity extended especially to those without anywhere else to turn during difficult times of year, saying that if someone had nowhere to go at Christmas, “there was always a place at her table.”
