THE family of a mother-of-three who died in Bury St Edmunds have paid tribute to her, describing her as a “beloved angel” who will be dearly missed.

Elliot Furniss

THE family of a mother-of-three who died in Bury St Edmunds have paid tribute to her, describing her as a “beloved angel” who will be dearly missed.

Mary Griffiths, 38, a fitness instructor who lived at Bullrush Crescent, Bury, died on Wednesday at West Suffolk Hospital after she suffered a deep chest wound.

A statement released by her family said she was the “very best” mother, sister, daughter and friend.

The family said: “We are blessed to have her in our lives. Sadly this has been taken away from us, and we will never get over her sad tragic loss. She will be dearly missed by all.

“We would appreciate the time to grieve the loss of our 'beloved angel' Mary Frances, and would ask you to please respect what we and the girls are trying to come to terms with.

“Rest in peace our beautiful sweet angel, you will always be in our hearts.”

The family also gave special thanks to Paul Hickman and Stephanie Andrews-Pearce of the Suffolk Police Department for their help.

The family added: “Another word of thanks to all Mary's friends, they have been a great comfort to us at this time.”

A man arrested on suspicion of murdering Ms Griffiths has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The 40-year-old from Bury St Edmunds, who has not been named, had initially been arrested in the town's Bockhill Road about an hour after police discovered Ms Griffiths fighting for life.

In a statement this afternoon, a spokesman for Suffolk police said: “We can confirm that the 40-year-old man from the Bury St Edmunds area, arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Mary Griffiths on Wednesday, is no longer under police arrest and has been detained under section 3 of the Mental Health Act.”

The man was arrested but taken to West Suffolk Hospital because of injuries where his condition was later described as “stable”.

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