The stepbrother of tragic south Essex Soul II Soul singer Doreen Waddell today led tributes to a "beautiful, lovely, and outgoing" woman.

She was run over and killed after fleeing across a busy road when she was caught shoplifting at a Tesco store in Shoreham, West Sussex, on Friday, police said.

Hairdresser Mansion Wong, who runs Mad Cutz, in London Road, Westcliff, said his sister was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many people.

Despite falling into a spiral of drug abuse, she remained a good mother to her four-year-old son. Ms Waddell, 36, was born in London but was taken into foster care and grew up in Olympia Drive, Basildon.

She also lived for several years in Southend near the Kursaal estate, said Mr Wong.

He added: "This is a big heartbreak for all the family.

"She was a beautiful person who has done so many good things for people. She had everything going for her."

Published Tuesday, March 5, 2002