The Aldi worker stabbed to death in front of Christmas shoppers: Heartbroken family pays tribute to 'fun-loving and caring' mother, 30, who was 'murdered' before colleagues pinned down knifeman

  • Jodie Willsher, 30, was attacked before colleagues pinned the knifeman down
  • Police arrested a 44-year-old in Skipton, North Yorkshire, following the incident
  • Jodie was taken to hospital by ambulance but later died of her injuries
  • Tributes poured in for the mother-of-one who is married to 36-year-old Malcolm

  • The devastated family of the Aldi employee who was stabbed to death at work in front of shocked Christmas shoppers have paid tribute to the 'fun-loving and caring' mother.
    Jodie Willsher, 30, was brutally attacked before her brave colleagues wrestled the knifeman to the ground as police rushed to the scene in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
    She was taken to hospital by ambulance but later died of her injuries. Forensic officers examined the scene for clues and are believed to have recovered a weapon.
    A 44-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but police have now launched a murder investigation following Mrs Willsher's death.
    Shoppers were told to abandon their trolleys and flee in the horrifying moments after the stabbing with police seen guarding the supermarket overnight.
    One man whose mother and father were in the store at the time said: 'My parents were doing their shopping when it happened and my dad restrained the b*****d who stabbed the member of staff until the police arrived.
    'I've never witnessed anything like it people just running out of the store scared and traumatised. My heart goes out to her family and friends. RIP young lady.'
    Today tributes poured in for the mother-of-one, who is married to 36-year-old Malcolm and has a young daughter named Megan who started primary school earlier this year.
    Her devastated husband this morning changed his profile picture on Facebook to a touching image of Jodie ice skating with Megan.
    It was flooded with tributes from friends who spoke of their shock at the young woman's death.  
    Tributes today poured in for Jodie Willsher, 30, pictured, who was stabbed in an Aldi supermarket yesterday
    Tributes today poured in for Jodie Willsher, 30, pictured, who was stabbed in an Aldi supermarket yesterday

    Jodie is pictured with her husband Mal and daughter Megan. He changed his Facebook profile photograph in honour of his wife
    Jodie is pictured with her husband Mal and daughter Megan. He changed his Facebook profile photograph in honour of his wife

    Husband Malcolm, pictured right,  was last night comforting their daughter Megan

    Husband Malcolm, pictured right, was last night comforting their daughter Megan

    Her cousin Chris Swales described her as the 'sister he never had', adding: 'We lost a beautiful, fun loving and caring person. How can life be so cruel?
    'A [selfish] act by one person has left a husband without a wife and a little girl without her mother.
    'You weren't just my cousin Jodie, you were like the sister I never had and now I'm broken you've gone. Be the brightest star in the sky and sleep tight.'
    The town council's mayor Andy Rankine said: 'Skipton is a small but close-knit community where most people know each other. We are in shock about the sad events of yesterday where a store worker was murdered whilst going about her duties.
    'The whole town is in shock and grieving over the loss of Jodie. Christmas this year will an ordeal for many residents.'
    A close family friend said: 'All the family is distraught. No one can understand why this has happened. Jodie was such a loving person. She would never hurt anyone. It's such a terrible waste.'

    Friends spoke of their memories of Jodie and shock at her death. John Firth said: 'It just shows how many people's lives you touched Jodie.
    'The words and pictures people are sharing are showing the kind of person you are.
    'Fun-loving, kind, caring and, most of all, devoting. You sleep tight now little lady.
    'I will still put a profiterole on the garden wall for you to come and get every now and then. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mal, Megan, family and friends.'
    Phil Dowgill said: 'I'm so sorry to hear this! Jodie was always smiley and seemed a lovely young lady on our visits there. My thoughts are with all of your family xx.'
    Flowers with heartfelt messages of condolences could be seen lined up at the top of the car park entrance.
    One message read: 'To our dear beautiful sweets friend. We are broken. Sorry we never got our girls night, here's a glass to you.'

    Jodie, pictured, was taken to hospital by ambulance but later died of her injuries
    Jodie, pictured, was taken to hospital by ambulance but later died of her injuries
    Family friends have left tributes to Jodie on Facebook, with Mike Wilson-Barrett saying she was a 'fantastic person and mother'
    Family friends have left tributes to Jodie on Facebook, with Mike Wilson-Barrett saying she was a 'fantastic person and mother'
    The tragedy happened at the store in Skipton, North Yorkshire, on Thursday at 3.27pm.
    One witness said she heard 'loads of screams' then saw the woman lying on the floor and the man pinned down as 'everyone screamed and ran up and down' the supermarket.
    She said: 'I just saw the aftermath, I was so scared I ran off.'
    A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'The suspect was initially detained by brave members of staff and public, before he was arrested by officers who were quickly on scene.
    'He was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder, but it has now turned into a murder investigation despite the efforts of medics to save the victim.
    'The woman's family are being supported by police officers while enquiries continue.'

    A woman stabbed by a knifeman in front of horrified Christmas shoppers at an Aldi supermarket has died. Police are pictured carrying away what appears to be a knife from the scene
    A woman stabbed by a knifeman in front of horrified Christmas shoppers at an Aldi supermarket has died. Police are pictured carrying away what appears to be a knife from the scene

    Trolleys packed with Christmas shopping were left stranded as customers were evacuated from the store
    Trolleys packed with Christmas shopping were left stranded as customers were evacuated from the store

    Police officers stand guard outside the Aldi in Skipton, North Yorks, where a woman was attacked with a knife
    Police officers stand guard outside the Aldi in Skipton, North Yorks, where a woman was attacked with a knife

    An Aldi spokesman told MailOnline: 'We're working with the police following an incident at our Skipton store.'
    North Yorkshire Police had previously said the incident was not terror-related or believed to be a hate crime. 
    Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.


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