'Kind-hearted soul' murdered at home

Harriet Heywood
BBC News, Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire Police Simone Smith is taking a photo of herself. She is wearing eyeliner, purple eyeshadow and matching purple lipstick. She has tattoos, her nose, lip and ears pierced, and there is an Iron Maiden poster in the background.  Cambridgeshire Police
"This isn't how her story should've ended; we have lost a daughter, a sister and an aunt," says the family of Simone Smith (pictured)

The family of a woman who was found dead at her home say they are "completely devastated that her life was taken".

A murder investigation was launched after the body of Simone Smith, 35, was found at her flat on Saunders Close in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, at about 17:00 GMT on 26 February.

Initial findings of a post mortem examination carried out at Addenbrooke's Hospital on Tuesday said Miss Smith died as a result of compression of the neck.

Paying tribute, Miss Smith's family said: "Our beautiful girl was a kind-hearted soul, who had time for everyone and showed nothing but kindness and compassion to others."

'So loved'

During the investigation into her death, police were called to Hinchingbrooke Hospital on the morning of 27 February.

Hospital staff had found the body of Cody Parker, 27, in public toilets.

Detectives said the discovery was linked with the murder inquiry and officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

The deaths have been treated as isolated incidents and tests concluded that Mr Parker, also of Saunders Close, died as a result of hanging.

A statement on behalf of Miss Smith's family said: "This isn't how her story should've ended; we have lost a daughter, a sister and an aunt.

"To us she was so loved and completely irreplaceable.

"We as a family have received an outpouring of love from friends, family and the local community.

"Simone's close friends have expressed the deep loss and sadness they feel at this difficult time, describing her as a one and only."

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