A British pub landlady has died after being stabbed in what police describe as a random attack at a train station in Bavaria, Germany. Rebecca Bullock, 31, was attacked at the railway station in Rosenheim just before 1am on Sunday, and died in hospital shortly after from multiple stab wounds.
Bullock, who ran The White Swan pub in Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire, had travelled to Germany on her way to a funeral in Austria to support a grieving friend. German police arrested a 27-year-old homeless man who holds German citizenship in connection with the attack.
Community tributes to ‘breath of fresh air’
Back home in Whitchurch, a village with a population of 1,000, locals have left flowers outside the pub. Richard Shuffill, 82, vice-chairman of the village parish council, described Bullock as “a breath of fresh air” who “turned The Swan around”.
“It’s the only pub in the village but she threw herself into her work to make it the centre of the community,” Shuffill said. “It was impossible not to like her. She was always pleasant and friendly. No one can believe what’s happened and she will be terribly missed.”
Shuffill noted that he had seen Bullock on Saturday lunchtime, just 12 hours before her death. “Her death has come as a real shock and it’s a huge loss to our community,” he added.
Charity runner and community builder
Bullock was known for her charity work, including raising funds for the Spinal Injuries Association by running the 2022 London marathon. She also took part in Ironman events and was described as a keen runner and horsewoman.
Her social media showed a love of the outdoors and animals. She said she was “happiest when I’m up a mountain or on a horse”. At The White Swan, she introduced live music, quizzes, and bingo nights to make the pub a community hub.
Close friend and musician Kirsty Hawkshaw paid tribute on Facebook, saying Bullock was “an old soul and everyone always felt safe and secure”. Hawkshaw added: “We are devastated for her loss and for the loss her family. Her beautiful dog was our dog’s best friend. Our whole community know her and are processing slowly in shock and are in mourning.”
Investigation and legal proceedings
The suspect appeared in court on suspicion of murder and has been remanded to a secure psychiatric hospital. German detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen “an argument or physical altercation” near the station in the early hours of Sunday.
Rosenheim mayor Abuzar Erdogan confirmed that the circumstances and “motive behind the crime” are under urgent investigation. A Foreign Office spokesperson said they are providing support to Bullock’s family and remain in contact with local authorities.
