Tributes continue to be paid to Whitchurch pub manager killed following knife attack at German train station
Tributes continue to be paid to the manager of a pub in Whitchurch near Aylesbury who died after a suspected knife attack while on holiday in Germany over the weekend.
Her death has been linked to an investigation by police in Rosenheim into a fatal attack at the city’s train station in the early hours of Sunday August 30.
The victim has not been officially identified but named locally as 31-year-old Rebecca Bullock, also known as Becca, who was the manager of The White Swan in Whitchurch.
Bavaria Police have confirmed that the victim was a 31-year-old British citizen and that she had been formally identified, but when contacted by The Bucks Herald said they could not confirm the name of the victim as they do not “disclose personal data or personal details of individuals involved in ongoing investigations.”
Floral tributes were left outside The White Swan pub following news of Rebecca’s death, while the pub was shut for two days before reopening yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).
Away from her work at the pub Rebecca was a member of Thame Runners, who posted on their Facebook page this morning (Thursday): “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news regarding our dear member and friend, Rebecca "Becca" Bullock.
“Many of you may have seen the recent news regarding her tragic passing over the weekend while in Germany.
“Becca was a vibrant, much-loved part of our running family, and her loss leaves a tremendous void in our community.
“She brought so much warmth and energy to our club, and we know how deeply this news impacts everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Our deepest thoughts, love, and support go out to Becca’s family, close friends, and all those grieving this heartbreaking loss.
“During this immensely painful time, we ask our community to keep her loved ones in your thoughts while continuing to respect their privacy.
“We will share further details on how we plan to honour Becca's memory in due course.”
Rebecca was also a secretary of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase, which posted on Facebook: “Becca was much loved by everyone who knew her.
“Her warmth, kindness and enthusiasm for everything she did were truly infectious, and her presence brought joy to so many people.
“She will be remembered with great affection and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“At this incredibly difficult time our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Becca’s family, friends and loved ones.
“We respectfully ask that their privacy be respected, and we hope that when the time is right we can come together as a community to remember Becca, celebrate her life and honour the wonderful person she was.”
Fellow Aylesbury Vale pub also posted messages of sympathy including The Crown in Granborough which wrote on Facebook: “Becca was a friend to many close to The Crown.
“She was always welcomed with a smile, her kindness and warmth touched so many lives and she was remembered with great fondness.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone at The White Swan, Whitchurch, and most importantly with Becca’s family, friends and all those who loved her.”
The Green Man pub in Mursley posted: “Our deepest condolences go out to The White Swan and to Rebecca’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone at the pub during this incredibly difficult time.
“It’s clear Rebecca was a much-loved member of the local pub community and will be deeply missed by so many.”
Labour Member of Parliament for Aylesbury Laura Kyrke-Smith also posted on Facebook: “Rebecca's death and the circumstances in which she died are beyond horrific.
“I can't imagine the grief her loved ones are feeling, and I've been moved by the tributes that have been pouring in across Whitchurch and beyond.
“Her warmth and friendliness clearly made The White Swan a cornerstone of the village, and the flowers laid around the pub show how beloved she was.
“What a bright life that was taken by such a dark act. I only hope that the perpetrator can be brought to justice for the sake of her loved ones, and I'm thinking of each one of them at this terrible time.”
In an appeal released after the incident Bavaria Police reported that at around 12.50am on Sunday August 30 “a young woman was physically attacked by a knife at the train station in Rosenheim.”
Police said that the woman was taken to hospital for further treatment, but that she “died as a result of her serious injuries.”
A 27-year-old German man from the Fürstenfeldbruck district was arrested at the scene of the incident on suspicion of homicide.
Police said that the man had later been transferred to a psychiatric hospital “after concrete indications of psychological abnormalities of the urgent suspect emerged.”
A spokesperson for The White Swan told The Bucks Herald earlier this week: “Becca was very much loved by us, the team and our regulars.
“At this stage we won’t be and can’t comment on any speculation.
“Our priority at this time is focusing on the wellbeing of our team and respecting the wishes of Becca’s family.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told The Bucks Herald earlier this week: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Germany and are in touch with the local authorities."