TRIBUTES have been paid to a “loving and caring” young mother whose body was found in the River Colne in Colchester last week.The tribute comes as police today follow up information received from members of the public during a weekend operation in the area where the body of Helen Maughan, 24, was found.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “loving and caring” young mother whose body was found in the River Colne in Colchester last week.

The tribute comes as police today follow up information received from members of the public during a weekend operation in the area where the body of Helen Maughan, 24, was found.

The remains of the mother-of-two, who lived in Propelair Way, Colchester, were discovered by a passer-by close to the Sheepen Place car park in the town at about 10.30am on Sunday May 20.

Now two close friends, a pair of sisters who count Miss Maughan as one of their own, have paid a moving tribute to her and have said they will remember her “fun” personality.

In a statement, Katie and Louise Harris said: “Helen was a very special sister to us in so many ways and a really fun auntie.

“Helen was going through a lot of hard times but still was always loving, caring and never failed to make us laugh.

“She deserved so much better than this tragedy which is why we hope the police investigation will eventually lead to us being able to lay her to rest.”

A 36-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of her murder, has been released on police bail.

The Colchester man, arrested last Monday evening, was released while officers carry out further investigations and await vital forensic test results.

A post mortem, carried out the morning after the body was found, revealed Miss Maughan had sustained a number of injuries but failed to establish what had caused her death.

Yesterday's tribute was made after police officers returned during the weekend to the streets close to where Miss Maughan was found, in a bid to jog the memories of members of the public who may hold vital clues to the identity of her killer.

Uniformed officers and detectives carried out stop-checks in the area where the body was found, making renewed efforts to glean information from the public and piece together Miss Maughan's last steps.

They also revisited nearby pubs and bars in the area, quizzing landlords and patrons while distributing posters and leaflets.

Essex Police last night thanked the public for their cooperation in their continued investigation, and renewed appeals for people with information to come forward.

A spokeswoman added: “Essex Police would like to thank the local community for their support and understanding during this weekend's operation and hope it didn't cause too much inconvenience to evenings out.

“Information provided to the officers will now be followed up.”

Anyone who knows anything about the Miss Maughan's death is urged to contact the major investigation team at Harlow Police Station on 01279 641188.