Overview

• The victim, a British expatriate, was found unconscious near her car with five deep wounds inflicted by a sharp object, indicating a violent attack with intent to kill.
• French authorities have launched a formal murder investigation and are pursuing all leads to identify and apprehend the suspect.
• The victim's friend, who discovered her body and attempted first aid, was briefly detained but has since been released after questioning.
• The murder weapon remains missing as investigators focus on gathering evidence and examining the victim's personal relationships.
• The victim, a long-time resident of the Dordogne region, was a member of a local over-50s football team and had recently participated in an international tournament in South Africa.