David Cameron has expressed his shock at the killing of a grandmother and the stabbing of a nine-year-old boy in Shipley.

Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, Shipley MP Philip Davies also praised the community spirit that followed the tragic events of Monday which saw Louisa Denby, 84, stabbed to death at her home in Windhill and Jason D’Arcy suffer a stab wound which penetrated his chest and arm at a nearby skate park.

Bleeding heavily, Jason managed to stagger to his home in nearby Park Road to raise the alarm. He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent surgery on Tuesday and is reported to be in a stable condition.

Mr Davies said: “Will the Prime Minister join me in praising the police for the swiftness of making arrests in this particular case, but also in support of the local community, and congratulate them in their steadfastness and spirit which is helping this community get through a very traumatic period.”

Mr Cameron replied: “These were truly shocking events and reading about them, particularly the young boy who staggered out of the park bleeding having been stabbed, reading about the grandmother who was described as someone who is so much a community member that was seen as everybody’s grandmother, is truly disturbing.

“I join him in praising the police and praising the local community and we must make sure justice is done.”

Last night, Mrs Denby’s 26-year-old grandson remained in custody following his arrest early on Tuesday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Four other men, aged 29, 26, 24 and 18, have now been released without charge.

The three councillors for the Windhill and Wrose ward say they hope the community can start returning to normal following the heavy police and media presence of Monday and Tuesday.

Councillors Susan Hinchcliffe and Vanda Greenwood have been out in Windhill to reassure residents.

Coun Hinchcliffe (Lab) said: “After the quite understandable fear that people felt initially, people are really pleased the police have acted quickly.

“Hopefully, now is the time the community can get back to normal. Obviously they’re still feeling for the families affected by this. It’s a tragedy for all concerned.”

Both councillors praised the police for the way they responded to the chain of events that also saw an eight-year-old girl chased through her garden by a man shortly after Jason was stabbed.

Coun Greenwood said there were officers on nearly every corner on Monday and Tuesday, which had reassured people.

The Labour councillor was at her mother’s house in Windhill when she heard the police helicopter on Monday afternoon. Her daughter then read about the stabbing on Twitter.

Coun Greenwood said: “I went driving round just to see what was going on. There were police everywhere. The police have been absolutely amazing, I can’t praise them enough,” she said.

Coun Greenwood said that counselling was being arranged for pupils at High Crags Primary School in Shipley where Jason is a pupil and she is a governor.

Tomorrow people are invited to Crag Road Methodist Church to pray, quietly reflect and light a candle for the families affected, between 2pm and 4pm.