The distraught family of murdered ex-model Rosemary Neale have spoken of their grief at the loss of their "wonderful mother".

Rosemary Neale was found dead at her son's flat in Colchester last Thursday. She died from head injuries at Colchester General Hospital.

A family statement read: "Rosie was a loving, beautiful, elegant vivacious, talented lady who always lived her life to the full."

Daughter Rebecca, Rebecca's husband Simon plus son James, attended a press briefing on Friday at Colchester police station.

Mrs Neale's son-in-law Simon read from a prepared statement on behalf of the family.

He said: "It's with huge regret and sorrow this family sit here today to comment on the tragic passing of our wonderful mother. Rosie was a loving, beautiful, elegant vivacious, talented lady who always lived her life to the full."

"She was genuine and extremely popular. She was a wonderful mum and grandma and she will be missed by family and friends alike and all that met her."

James, 29 and Rebecca, 31, grew up in Tacolneston in Norfolk with Mrs Neale and her first husband Robert Gower.

Former beauty queen Mrs Neal had recently qualified as a beauty therapist and was popular with neighbours in Bourne Street where she had been living since divorcing ex-solicitor Jimmy Neale in 1996.

Mr Neale who is currently in the Far East was told of his ex-wife's death on Saturday.

Murder victim Rosemary Neale

Ex-husband to return

The ex-husband of murdered Rosemary Neale is returning to Colchester after the news of her violent death.

Jimmy Neale was told of the tragedy by police who visited his home in central Hong Kong.

The businessman was said to be shocked and extremely upset and is set to return to Colchester in the next week.

The funeral will not be held for some time until the coroner has released the body.

A post mortem examination revealed former model Mrs Neale, 52, of Bourne Road, Colchester, died of head injuries. She was found on Thursday in the St Peter's Street flat where her son, from her marriage with Mr Neale, lived.

A Colchester police spokesman said: "Mr Neale is feeling the same as any family member would in the circumstances.

"Any death is bad enough but when it has the added dimension of a violent death it is even more difficult to deal with. He really would like to come over from Hong Kong. It is something he feels he needs to do."

Meanwhile, detectives searching for the murder weapon have found two 2ft-long pieces of wood, possibly tool handles, by the side of the railway line at North Station, Colchester. One had a red stain.

They have been sent for forensic analysis but at this stage detectives are still urging local people to search their own gardens for the murder weapon.

It is believed to be a blunt instrument which could be bloodstained.

They have delivered leaflets to hundreds of homes and businesses near the scene and along North Station Road, in the hope any suspicious object found will be reported.

Police said anyone finding a weapon should not touch it, but leave it in its place and contact them immediately.

Police divers have been searching the River Colne in Castle Park and the banks near Riverside Walk. Officers have also been scouring undergrowth and bushes.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw a young man in North Station Road on Thursday between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

He was slim, with long brown hair and wearing a denim jacket and jeans.

A 21-year-old man, who was known to Mrs Neale, has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Police divers get to work in Colchester

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