Neighbours of Andrea and Julian Dykes have paid tribute to the tragic couple.

Rebecca King, 26, who lived close by in Taragona Mews, Colchester, said: "They were genuinely nice people and would always take time to help you out if needed."

The mother-of-two added: "I knew that Andrea was expecting a baby and they seemed to be so happy. It is just such a tragedy. I still cannot believe it has happened."

Kevin Shailes, 39, who lives in the flat opposite, said: "They were a lovely couple and would always say hello and have a chat as they went out. It is such a shock that something so awful could happen to them."

And Chris Brown, 32, said: "It is absolutely terrible. I spoke to them quite often and they seemed to be a very nice couple who always had time for you.

"They had just bought a puppy and you would see them taking it out for walks."

He added: "The fact that they were expecting the baby makes the whole thing worse."

A neighbour from John Light's previous address at Albrighton Croft in High Woods, Colchester, called him a "very nice bloke."

Darren Doran, 22, said: "He lived her for about nine months to a year and moved out around two months ago."

He added: "He seemed to be a very nice bloke and always said hello when he walked Ben, his dog. It is such a shock that something so awful could happen to them."

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