A WOMAN who was found dead in her home has been named by friends. 

Police have arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Cheryl Birdsall, who was found in her Avignon Close home last night. 

Friends have paid tribute to the mum and former Sir Charles Lucas School pupil - now Colchester Academy - on social media. 

Gazette:

Jessie Daisy posted: "RIP Cheryl Birdsall, may all the angels protect you and keep you safe."

Pal Louise Jean Burden added: "Omg r.i.p Cheryl Birdsall thoughts are with your beautiful kiddies xxx cant beleive it mate miss our cuppas xxx."

Donna Marie wrote: "Waking up to such sad news this morning RIP Cheryl Birdsall will miss u truly we had some giggles sleep tight angel."

Gazette:

Neighbour and Army veteran Mick Suttey, who has lived in the road for three years, and said he knew the Miss Birdsall well.

The 53-year-old said: “It is so sad as they both have young children.

“She lived in that flat with her partner.

“She was lovely. She was a very intelligent lady, very astute, very opinionated.

“I will miss her – she was a nice person.

“I had known her and her partner about a year."

More to follow