Tributes paid to retired GP killed in attack on 'lovely couple' at home

NEIGHBOURS of a retired family doctor, who was awarded an MBE for his services to medicine, have paid tribute to him after he was killed and his wife seriously injured in an attack at their South Yorkshire home.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th May 2010, 12:05 BST

Updated 11th May 2010, 12:05 BST

Dr Frank Wright and his wife Barbara Wright were taken to hospital with severe injuries after the attack more than a week ago.

The 73-year-old doctor died three days later.

The couple's son Timothy Wright, 42 – who lived with them in Grove Road, Millhouses, Sheffield – has now been charged with murdering his father and the attempted murder of his mother.

He is due to appear at Sheffield Crown court this week.

Mrs Wright, a 71-year-old retired nurse, was yesterday in a "serious but stable" condition at the city's Royal Hallamshire Hospital after being found in the garden of a nearby house.

One of their neighbours, professor Ian Cooke, said yesterday: "Frank was a well-respected doctor. He was sociable, quiet but engaging and always interesting."

Prof Cooke's wife, Sheila, added: "He was our GP for a long time as well as a friend.

"He was very caring and they were a lovely couple."