A WOMAN at the centre of a murder inquiry in St Ives has been described as an “angel” by her children.

Pauline Smith, 54, was found dead at her home in Gainsborough Drive, St Ives on Thursday (October 27), and a post mortem revealed she had died from a compression injury to the neck.

Today (Tuesday), her son and daughter Charlotte and Toby Brudenell-Smith released a joint statement paying tribute to their mother.

They said: “Mum, you will be dearly missed by everyone’s heart you touched.

“Forever in our hearts and mind.

“Rest in heaven my angel. All our love, Charlotte and Toby xx.”

Her ex-husband Barry Smith added: “Although we were apart I never stopped caring. All my love, Barry.”

Officers were called to the house, off Constable Road, at 10.30am, where they discovered Ms Smith’s body and a man with abdominal injuries.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder, and remains under guard at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, while he is treated. He will be interviewed by police when he is fit enough to be questioned.

You can add your own tribute to Pauline Smith at the bottom of this story. Just sign in with your Facebook account and post.