AN ELDERLY couple stabbed in their bed have been described as the "loveliest" people.
Irene Dale, 78, died and her husband Allan, 80, suffered serious injuries after they were attacked while they slept at their home in Summergangs Road, east Hull.
A 17-year-old boy, who has been charged with murder and attempted murder, appeared at Hull Youth Court yesterday. He did not enter a plea.
Neighbours who lived close to the couple, who have been married for more than 50 years, have said they do not understand why anyone would want to harm them.
Lisa Coxon, who has lived next door to the Dales for three years, said: "They were wonderful people, just the nicest, loveliest couple you could know.
"I can't imagine anyone wanting to hurt them. They did everything together and I never heard them argue. I just can't believe it.
"I can't imagine how Allan must feel."
Ann Thurston, 66, said Mr and Mrs Dale moved into the street just a few months after her in 1972, with their daughter and twin sons.
"It is really upsetting," she said.
"Allan and the rest of the family must be absolutely devastated.
"Irene was brilliant. Allan loved gardening and she would just toddle around after him.
"We would often stand talking over the fences, while we were in our gardens. I knew if I ever needed anything, they would be there for me and they knew I would be there for them."
The couple were found after police were called to the house at 3.30am on Saturday morning, where they found both with serious injuries.
Mrs Dale died at the scene, while Mr Dale was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary. He remains in hospital in a stable condition and has been speaking to detectives investigating his wife's death.
During a five-minute hearing at Hull Youth Court yesterday, prosecutor Andrew Stirling said: "Both of them were stabbed while they were in their bed. Sadly, Irene Dale has died. Her husband survived."
The 17-year-old charged with the attacks spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He cannot be named for legal reasons.
It is believed officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack on the couple.
Miss Coxon, 30, said: "I was staying at my partner's and I keep thinking that, if I was at home, maybe I would have heard something and been able to help them.
"I can hear everything next door, so I'm sure I would have known if something was going on.
"I can't imagine living here without them. I've seen them every day since I moved here. I'd love Allan to come back here, but why would he want to? It will have such bad memories now."
Neighbours said Mr Dale would regularly help them with odd jobs and gardening. The couple would also regularly be seen on the street walking their rescue dog, Pie.
Miss Coxon said: "Allan would put my bins out for me and often get his ladder out to cut the rose bush in my back garden.
"Last week, he brought me some sunflowers, which I have planted. Because they always had salad for dinner every other day, Irene would bring me a cucumber to feed to my guinea pigs.
"Every morning, no matter what time I got up, Allan would be in the garden already. He would be in from morning until night. Gardening was his life. Irene was always with him and they would walk Pie together up and down the street.
"Their sons were always visiting them with their granddaughters. They were a lovely family."
Mrs Thurston said: "They are a really friendly, caring couple. What has happened is unbelievable."
The 17-year-old has been remanded in custody and will appear at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday.
