Family of alleged murder victim 'shattered'

Sharon Butler's family say life will never be the same without her

The family of a woman who was allegedly murdered have said their world has been "shattered".

Sharon Butler, 64, was found with serious injuries in the garden of a property on Whitehouse Meadows in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 7 November.

Essex Police said she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kevin Shepherd, 54, of the same address, was charged with murder and is in custody awaiting a plea hearing at Basildon Crown Court in January.

Essex Police said Ms Butler's murder posed "no threat to the wider community"

In a statement, Ms Butler's family said: “Our world has been shattered by the loss of our loving daughter and sister.

"Our lives will never be the same without her.

"She never will be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.”

Det Ch Insp Terry Balding, who was leading the investigation, added: "I continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation, to please get in touch using our dedicated online portal."