The family of a woman who was found dead at her home in Martlesham Heath have today paid tribute to a ‘beautiful’ and ‘extraordinary’ person.

Jane Bartholomew’s body was discovered by police at a property in Lark Rise at about 9pm on Friday after her family raised concerns that they could not get a response from anybody in the house.

A post mortem determined that she died as a result of significant head injuries.

A statement written by the 39-year-old’s daughter Jordan, on behalf of her and her two sisters, Jade and Jorja, said: “My mom was an extraordinary woman who always tried to put her children above herself.

“She would always eat last, making sure we were well fed along with all the animals.

“She was truly a beautiful woman who always tried to make others smile. She was always fun to be around and made sure others were happy.

“I guess I’ll miss the fact that everything had to be colour co-ordinated and that most of the time she would walk out of the house looking like, as I used to call her, a highlighter. She very much enjoyed wearing bright colours.”

A statement from the mother’s parents, Ann and Irvin Bartholomew, and her brothers Mark and Sean, added: “She was loved by family, friends and children – everyone had a good word for her.

“We have been so humbled by the out-pouring of love by school friends in America, her friends, her relations, her neighbours, her work colleagues at Rockford where she had worked for 20 years.

“Jane’s life centred on her three beautiful daughters, Jordan (her clone), Jade and Jorja, she loved them all so much. We are devastated but we will always keep her in our thoughts and prayers, the bright shining beacon that was Jane.”

Scott Ellis, 42, of Tunstall Green, Tunstall, near Woodbridge, was arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the death and is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court for a plea hearing on September 5.