Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder over the death of a mother and former company director with an ‘amazing soul’.
The victim has been named locally as Sarah Ashwell Joice, 47, who was found dead at her home in Wells, Somerset, on Sunday afternoon.
Police and forensics officers are continuing to investigate what they described as a ‘suspicious death’.Avon and Somerset Police added it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the case, as there had been police contact with Sarah ‘relating to a number of matters’ before her death.
And although no formal identification has taken place yet, several friends have paid tribute to Sarah, who was described as a ‘lovely lady’.
Among them was Dovil Gudeleviiut, 29, who said: ‘I can’t believe it. I can’t stop thinking about her.
‘I can only say she was an amazing and happy soul. She was very friendly and amazing friend.
‘I’m heartbroken and just wish the truth will come to light so her soul can be in peace. I feel very sorry for her two boys and her family.’
Another friend said everyone was shocked by what happened.
They added: ‘It is so shocking. Things like this don’t happen around here.
‘It is heartbreaking for everyone who knew her. She was such a lovely lady and we are all sending our love to her boys and the rest of her family.’
Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: ‘Formal identification has yet to take place but the woman’s immediate next of kin are being supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.
‘They have our deepest sympathy and we’d ask they be given privacy in their grief.
‘Today, Tuesday 9 November, officers have arrested a third man on suspicion of murder and have been granted a warrant of further detention by the court for two men who were arrested on Sunday night.
‘We have also today made a mandatory formal referral to the IOPC due to recent police contact with the deceased relating to a number of matters.
‘Detectives continue to appeal for anyone with information which could help the investigation to get in touch, especially with any CCTV, dashcam or phone footage of South Street over the weekend.’
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