Why Are a Brother and Sister Charged with Attempted Murder in Newmarket?

A brother and sister have been charged with attempted murder and aggravated burglary after a violent incident at a residential property in Newmarket, Cambridgeshire Police has confirmed. Cherylene Strike, 46, and Richard Strike, 38, both of Aster Close, Bury St Edmunds, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 9th November, where they were remanded in custody. The charges follow an incident on Thursday, 5th November at approximately 9:34pm, when police were called to New Cheveley Road, Newmarket, following reports of violence inside a residence. Officers and paramedics arrived to find a man and a woman in their 60s injured within the property. Both victims sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital; the man has since been discharged, while the woman remains under medical care. The case has been sent to Cambridge Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 7th December at 10am.

Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that Cambridgeshire Constabulary responded swiftly to emergency calls from the New Cheveley Road area, a residential street in the historic market town of Newmarket, which sits on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border. The victims, whose identities have not been publicly released, were discovered with injuries consistent with a violent assault. A police spokesperson told journalists that both individuals were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital by ambulance. The male victim, aged in his 60s, has since been discharged from medical facilities, while the female victim, also in her 60s, continues to receive treatment. Police have not disclosed the nature of the injuries sustained or the relationship between the victims and the accused.

The accused, Cherylene Strike and Richard Strike, share the same surname and address in Bury St Edmunds, a town approximately 14 miles east of Newmarket. Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that the pair were arrested shortly after the incident and subsequently charged following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. They appeared before magistrates on Monday and were remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for 7th December at 10am at Cambridge Crown Court.

The case has been sent to Cambridge Crown Court, where a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on 7th December. This procedural hearing will establish the basis for the defendants’ pleas and set a timetable for any future trial. Both Cherylene Strike and Richard Strike face charges of aggravated burglary, which under Section 10 of the Theft Act 1968 carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when committed with a weapon or using force, and attempted murder, which also carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary has confirmed that it remains unclear whether any property was taken from the residence during the incident. A police spokesperson told journalists that the investigation is ongoing and that the incident is believed to be isolated, with no wider threat to the public. The force has not released further details about the circumstances leading to the violence or the specific allegations against the accused.

Newmarket, known internationally as the headquarters of British horse racing, is a close-knit community where incidents of this severity are rare. The New Cheveley Road area, a residential street in the town, has seen heightened police activity since the incident. Local residents have expressed shock at the events, though police have moved to reassure the community that the situation poses no ongoing risk. Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that additional patrols have been conducted in the area to provide reassurance to residents.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “We understand the concern that incidents of this nature cause within the community. We want to reassure residents that this is believed to be an isolated incident and that two individuals have been charged and remanded in custody. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their family at this time.”

The investigation continues under the oversight of Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Unit. Authorities have urged anyone with information relevant to the case to contact police on 101, quoting the incident reference, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers.

While police have not confirmed whether the incident is domestic in nature, the case highlights the ongoing challenge of violent crime within residential settings. According to the Office for National Statistics, Cambridgeshire recorded approximately 15,000 violence against the person offences in the year ending March 2024, a figure broadly in line with national trends. Incidents involving victims over the age of 60 remain relatively uncommon, though such cases often attract significant public attention due to the vulnerability of those involved.

The charges of aggravated burglary suggest that the alleged offence involved entry into the property with intent to commit theft or grievous bodily harm, with the aggravating factor being the use of a weapon or the infliction of violence. Under UK law, aggravated burglary is treated as a serious indictable-only offence, meaning it must be heard at the Crown Court.

Cherylene Strike and Richard Strike will remain in custody until their appearance at Cambridge Crown Court on 7th December. At that hearing, the judge will set a timetable for the case, including deadlines for the service of evidence, the filing of defence statements, and a potential trial date. If the defendants plead not guilty, a trial date will be scheduled, potentially in early 2026. If they plead guilty, sentencing will follow.

Daily Dazzling Dawn will continue to follow the developments in this case as it progresses through the courts. The identities of the victims remain protected, and no further details about their condition have been released. Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active and that further enquiries will be conducted in the coming weeks.

For those affected by similar incidents, support is available through Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or via the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.