Tributes paid to Looe landslip victim

A formal identification of the body is yet to be carried out

Tributes have been paid to a woman who died when her home collapsed in a landslip at Looe, Cornwall.

The body of the woman, named locally as Susan Norman, was removed from the scene on Friday night.

Devon and Cornwall police said a formal identification was yet to be carried out.

Cornwall Council said it was working with the emergency services and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the cause of the landslip.

Structural engineers have said there is a possibility the property, in Sandplace Road, will have to be demolished.

Rail services suspended

The building, which is converted into flats, partially collapsed just before 06:00 GMT on Friday following torrential rain.

David Holford, from Looe, said of Ms Norman: "She was a great friend of a lot of people.

"She was my wife's best friend and has been for several years.

"It happened so quickly that nobody seems to be able to take it in fully. Everybody we've spoken to is so very upset."

Councillor for East Looe, Armand Toms, said: "We had people phoning here, there and everywhere trying to find out if she was staying with friends.

"Everyone is very sad by the loss."

Residents in the area have said they are not just shocked and saddened but want to know whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

Mr Toms said: "I know there are a number of engineering reports that exist on the situation on Sandplace and St Martin's road.

"Members of the public have told me about their concerns so I have passed those concerns on."

The A387 and B3253 remain closed due to the collapse and rail services to and from Looe are suspended.