Tributes to Pendle nurse stabbed to death

Jane Clough, 26, of Camden Street, Barrowford, was described as ‘lovely and caring’ and a ‘compassionate’ nurse.

Miss Clough’s parents, John and Penny Clough, of Stone Croft, Higherford, today released a short statement paying tribute.

It read: “Jane was our beautiful precious daughter, loving mother of her baby Imogen and loving sister of Peter and Louise.

“She was a fabulous girl in every sense. She was so gentle and lovely and we are absolutely heartbroken by what has happened.

“We thank the police for working so hard and being so supportive and we thank Jane’s friends and colleagues for the care and support they have shown for Jane and for us during this time.”

Michael Waddington, 44, lived across the road from Miss Clough with his wife Sarah, 37, and daughter Abbie, 10.

His family first heard of her death when they returned from a fortnight’s holiday in France today.

He said: “We found out two hours from getting home. It was such a shock to us all.

“It’s such a shame. She was a lovely person.

“I can’t praise her enough. She was a kind, bubbly person.

“I had nothing but admiration for her. It’s such a waste.”

Mr Waddington, a wagon driver, added: “I spoke to her father this morning and I had a tear in my eye speaking to him.

“They are devastated.”

Lois Howat, pastoral assistant at St Thomas’ Church in Wheatley Lane Road, described Jane as a ‘very nice young lady’ who offered to visit elderly people in their homes.

She said: “I can only say she was a lovely girl.

“She was very hard-working.

"She did two nights at the hospital each week at Blackpool and she had a little baby, Imogen, to look after as well.

“She was a regular member at St Thomas’. She was volunteering to do work with the elderly people in the parish and visit people who can’t get to church.

“This is so sad.”

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “The couple have probably only lived there for about 18 months. It’s such a shock.”

A bunch of flowers have been left outside Miss Clough’s end-terrace home in Camden Street, Barrowford.

A neighbour said the nurse had just returned to work after having a daughter and the couple had previously lived together for about 18 months.

He said: “I saw a few police cars driving around the street here this morning.”

Rev John Hallows, of St Thomas’ Church, said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Jane’s death.

“I have no doubt that will be true for our congregation as they learn the news.

“Jane had started to come to St Thomas’ recently and was getting involved in visiting some of the housebound members of the church.

“She was a lovely young woman, a caring mum and our prayers will be offered for her parents and the rest of her family.”

A number of Facebook tribute pages have been opened, with contributions from work colleagues and friends, and tributes were alse posted on a Blackpool FC fans' website.

Coun Jonathan Eyre, who represents Barrowford on Pendle council, said: “It is just shockingly tragic. It is such a quiet area.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “Obviously I am shocked to hear about these events in Barrowford and my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Miss Clough.”

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