Friends have led tributes to a “lovely” Colchester mother who was found dead at her home in Avignon Close last night.

Neighbours named the 37-year-old as Cheryl Birdsall, saying she was a “true friend”.

Police investigating her death launched a murder investigation this morning.

A 43-year-old man is being held in custody following the incident.

Paying tribute neighbour Mick Suttey, 53, said: “I know her very well. She was very opinionated and if she didn’t like you then she told you but that’s what I loved about Cheryl.

“She was a lovely girl in her own right.

“My last memory of her is us laughing together, it’s a lovely memory.

“She was outspoken and will be much missed by us all.

“God bless those poor children.”

Another man, who lives close by in Mountbatten Drive, said: “I just hate Colchester now with everything going on.

“There are so many problems and I am not surprised this has happened.

“We are moving away to Suffolk to get away.”

A pensioner who lives in Eaton Mews, a road opposite the crime scene, said: “It’s just very sad.

“I have seen people sitting outside those flats drinking until 1am with young children about.

“We heard about the murder but we never thought it would be there.”

One woman, who did not want to be named, added: “All they do is drink, fight, and argue. It’s awful.

“Them living there certainly affects people. Last year people were sitting out there drinking on the pavement, bottles rolling around.

“Someone complained and it did quieten down, but every now and again it breaks out.”

Another resident of Mountbatten Drive said: “It’s a bit worrying. I think there is an element of drug abuse going on in that area. We don’t usually hear much about it until the blue lights turn up.”

• Police are urging anyone with information to call 101.