Woman stabbed to death 'lit up any room' - family

Courtney Mitchell died after suffering stab injuries in an incident in Ipswich

The family of a woman who was stabbed to death have said she had a "contagious smile" that "lit up any room".

Courtney Mitchell, 26, from Ipswich, died on Tuesday after suffering fatal injuries in an incident in Burrell Road in the town shortly after 19:10 BST.

A murder investigation was launched and a 27-year-old man was charged with murder in connection with the incident and appeared in court earlier.

The mother-of-three's family paid tribute to her in a statement, describing her as "beautiful".

"No amount of words can comprehend what type of person Courtney was but we will try to share some of her light," they said.

"Her contagious smile lit up any room and her laughter was the sweetest sound in our home. Her kindness had no limits, she was always there for everybody - family, friend, or stranger.

"She was helpful in every way possible; her empathy knew no bounds. She was fun, fierce and extremely loyal."

Police remained at the scene for some time while investigations were conducted

Ms Mitchell was a mother with two sons and a daughter who her family said loved her "immeasurably".

"We miss you and you are forever in our hearts and as a family we are completely and utterly devastated and broken," they added.

"A void will always be left and a place at the table will always be set for you.

"We will continue to fight for her and get her the justice she deserves as she deserves the world and more."

They added in their statement that Ms Mitchell was "very intelligent, extremely funny and the life and soul of any gathering" and said she "touched the lives of so many with her warmth and generosity".

They thanked the community for their support.

Police said a Home Office post-mortem examination found that Ms Mitchell died from stab wounds to the chest.

Logan Burnett, 27, of All Saints Road, Ipswich, was charged with murder on Thursday.

He appeared before magistrates and at Ipswich Crown Court earlier and was remanded in custody to appear before the Crown Court again on 25 November.

A police cordon was in place following the incident but has since been lifted.

Police continue to appeal for information.