Policeman ‘shot dead estranged British wife and lover’ in French village

A policeman will stand trial for the murders of his estranged British wife and her new lover at their village home in France.

The body of expat Alison Erb, 49, was found alongside her partner Loreto Di Salvatore in their flat in the centre of Roppentzwiller in eastern France, near the Swiss border.

Her husband Olivier Erb, a serving police officer with whom she has three children, was arrested by colleagues and has admitted “liability” for the killings.

The couple were in the process of divorcing and, according to French media, Erb had twice been investigated on suspicion of abusing and harassing his wife.

The killings took place in May 2023, but details of the case have just now emerged because police investigation proceedings are kept confidential in France. Erb is expected to go on trial this year.

French media said firefighters made the discovery nearly two years ago, when the alarm was raised by neighbours who could hear dogs barking in the building.

Mrs Erb, who managed a nursery in Switzerland, and Mr Di Salvatore had been shot three times. A small calibre revolver was found at the scene.

Erb was initially arrested with his son, but both were released owing to a lack of evidence, according to reports.

Erb was eventually charged with the double murder.

Police found CCTV footage that showed a hooded figure in dark clothing and gloves entering the building after Mrs Erb left.

Erb allegedly killed Mr Di Salvatore and then his former wife eight minutes later when she returned.

Mrs Erb, who previously lived in Worstead, Norfolk, relocated to France to work for a family in the Alsace region in 1995.

Her sister, who still lives in Norfolk and wished to remain anonymous, said her death had “left a gaping hole in so many people’s lives”.

“I am utterly heartbroken by the loss of my sister,” she told a local paper.

“I have never felt more alone. We’re just 18 months apart in age. We were as close as only sisters can be. Ali and I would talk almost every day, as she did with her aunt who was like a mother to her.

“She took care of her aunt and nursed her to health when she was suffering from cancer.

“I still can’t believe such a kind and beautiful soul has been stolen from the world.”

‘He did all he could to keep her safe’

She described her sister as a “loving and protective” mother and added: “She had a love for all children and animals and wanted to make the world a better place.

The sister said Mr Di Salvatore was “desperate to marry her”, adding: “He did all he could to keep her safe and make her happy. Their relationship was true love. This is the first time she has experienced this.”

French lawyers, acting on behalf of Ms Erb’s family, said: “We want to highlight the exceptional work carried out by the investigating magistrate in Mulhouse and the Gendarmes in Strasbourg, both past and ongoing, in determining the circumstances that led to the horrendous death of Alison Knott and her partner.”

A spokesman for Norfolk Police said: “The family of former Norwich woman, Alison Erb, are currently being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer.”

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