Woman found in home who died 'loved animals'

Pippa Lewitt's family said she had a "heart of gold" and "worshipped her children"

A woman who died in hospital after she was found inside a house "loved animals" and "worshipped her children", her family said.

Police were called to the home of Philippa Lewitt - known as Pippa - on Devereux Gardens, Great Haywood, shortly after 17.00 GMT on 29 January.

In a tribute to her, the 46-year-old's family said she would "help anyone in their time of need" and that she had a "heart of gold".

The case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following previous police contact.

"Pippa had her challenges and struggles but following extensive abdominal surgery in the autumn had expressed that she had been given a new start and was looking forwards to rebuilding her life," her family said.

"Tragically that was not to be.

"Pippa loved all animals, rescuing injured animals and helping them because she cared so deeply about everything around her.

"She worshipped her children who were everything to her and was loved by her wider family; we will all miss her deeply."

The family said they were devastated by her death and asked for their privacy to be respected.

Two men were arrested following her death. Bryan Jones, 50, from Rugeley, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and coercive or controlling behaviour and later charged with breaching a restraining order.

He was released on bail ahead of a future hearing at Stafford Crown Court.

A 24-year-old man from Stafford was arrested on suspicion of being involved with drug supply and was later released on bail.