Telford murder: Family pay tribute to Belen Tripp as husband appears in court charged with killing her

Peter Tripp was charged with murder after his wife, 52-year-old Belen Tripp, died at the couple's Ketley Bank home on earlier this week.

He appeared at Telford Magistrates Court this morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address.

There was no application for bail.

The magistrates transferred the case to Stafford Crown Court where the case will next be heard on November 21.

A family statement paid tribute to Mrs Tripp.

It said: "Belen, a loving sister, sister-in-law and auntie, was a source of great joy and laughter. Her laugh is something we will never forget, her family were so important to her and she treasured the time she spent with them.

"We are all absolutely devastated and she will forever leave footprints in all of our hearts. The Filipino community in Telford will never ever forget her, we know they cherished all the good times and camaraderie.

"Goodbye our big sis and auntie, rest in peace now, we love you."

Officers were called to the semi-detached house on Sixth Avenue at around 11.20pm on Tuesday, where Mrs Tripp was found with stab injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later.

Neighbours described seeing around eight police cars, riot vans and ambulances on the residential street.

A post-mortem was due to take place today on the body of Mrs Tripp, who is thought to have lived in Telford for many years after moving from her home in the Philippine province of Cebu.

Forensic vans and officers were seen outside the property for much of yesterday as initial investigations began.

Mr Tripp will appear at Telford Magistrates' Court today.

A friend of the victim, Cathy Finch, said she had lost a "very good" friend.

She said: "It's a very sad and shocking day to find out a very good friend passed away in this way.

"To my dear friend Belen. I am still in shock of how you passed away so suddenly.

"You have been a very good friend for a long time. I will really miss you as you are now with the angels. May you rest in peace.

"Sending the angels to your family and friends to comfort them and give them strength at this very sad time."

Another friend said: "RIP my dear friend Belen. Gutted for the way you had to leave this earth, thinking of you always."

Neighbour Jessica Fitzimmonds added: "It's really sad. She had family in the Philippines but has always lived here as long as I can remember. She was such a lovely woman.

"We heard police banging on their door in the middle of the night, so God knows what went on. Next thing I know, there are cops and paramedics everywhere.

"He seemed quite a bit older than her but they seemed like a nice couple. You would never expect this sort of thing.

"Everyone is just really shocked and saddened. We can't quite believe it."

Belen was an employee at Midlands-based firm CareTech.

Charlotte Smith, north managing director at the company, said: "We are all deeply saddened by the death of one of our colleagues. Our thoughts are with Belen's family at this very difficult time."

A forensic tent and a police van remained outside the property yesterday as initial investigations began. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference 799s of November 15.