Tributes to a Shropshire woman who died at a New Year’s Eve party were today paid by the headteacher at the school where she worked.

Police launched a murder investigation following the death of mother-of-three Sharn Jones, who died following an incident at a house in Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, in the early hours of January 1.

Police were called just after 3am to the property in Little Minsterley.

A party had been held during the previous evening, with a number of people still at the scene when officers arrived.

Ms Jones, 46, was pronounced dead after being taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by ambulance.

Chris Davies, headteacher of Severndale School, said today: “Sharn had worked in the Severndale School kitchen for many years and had collected pupils’ dinner monies for the past six years.  

“It was a shock to hear of her untimely death during the Christmas holidays.

“All staff returning to work today have been shocked and saddened and I am sure that pupils will miss the care and attention she brought to the busy lunchtime.

“Sharn will certainly be missed by everyone at Severndale. Our thoughts are with Martin and Lottie at this time.”

Friend Bev Cartwright also said Ms Jones helped out at the village school in Minsterley, often collecting dinner money.

A post mortem carried out on Ms Jones proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.

A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with the death a short time after police arrived at the scene. He has since been released on police bail.

The man was initially arrested on suspicion of assault and later arrested on suspicion of murder following Ms Jones’s death.

Ms Jones was mother to Rowena, Charlotte, 22, and Martin, who turned 21 on December 30.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Shrewsbury police on 0300 333 3000.

By Rhea Parsons