THE HUSBAND of the North Yorkshire postmistress murdered last week has spoken about his ordeal.

Robin Garbutt ran a combined post office and village shop with his wife Diana, who grew up in Eggborough and attended Brayton High School and Selby College.

In a statement released by North Yorkshire Police Mr Garbutt, 44, told of his ordeal of finding his wife’s body after an armed raider confronted him in the store and made off with a substantial amount of cash.

“The past week has been extremely difficult and traumatic for me, Di was my life and I am lost without her,” he said “I would like to express my gratitude for the support of my family friends and the police,” he said.

He found his 40-year-old wife’s body upstairs above the post office they ran together in Melsonby, near Richmond more than a week ago.

Police have carried out stop checks on vehicles and thoroughly examined bins and streets in the area around in the village.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw said the investigation is very complex.

“Police remain at the post office today and are expected to continue forensic examination and searches over the Easter weekend. House-to-house enquiries will also continue.”

“The investigation is very complex and it will take some time to complete all avenues of investigation. We again express our thanks to the residents of Melsonby for their patience and understanding,” he said.

Both Mr Garbutt and the family of Mrs Garbutt have requested they be allowed to grieve in private.

Speaking to The Press this week Inspector Ian Thompson of Richmond police called for public help in catching Mrs Garbutt’s killer.

“We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the village between 8am and 9am on Tuesday last week who has not already come forward, particularly in the Moor Road and St James Close area,” he said.

“We are determined to bring Diana’s killer to justice, but we need the assistance of members of the public to help us do this.”

Anyone with information should phone 01904 669 576.