Police launch murder hunt

The woman was found at the ground floor flat in Lancaster Avenue, Dawley, shortly after noon on Sunday. Friends and neighbours have named the woman as Charlie Smith, of Old Wharf, Malinslee. She was previously known as Karis Smith.

Sarah Warren, Telford police spokeswoman, said: "A post mortem was carried out yesterday evening and the results of the examination reveal her death is suspicious and a murder investigation is under way."

Two men remained in police custody this afternoon.

Flowers were today laid outside the front door of the terrace property where Miss Smith lived. Next door neighbour Sue Roberts, 43, said Miss Smith had originally come from London and had lived in Brookside until she moved to Malinslee more than two years ago.

She said: "Charlie kept herself to herself, but when I saw her she would always say hello.

"She was a good mum and a good neighbour. I think she had a lot of friends in the Dawley area. She looked after the children and was a good mum to her kids."

Floral tributes laid at her front door described the death as a "tragic loss".

One read: "To darling Karis, I loved you so much, Nan xxx."

Another read: "To Charlie's family, sorry for the loss. She was a great person, all our thoughts are with you."

Other floral tributes described her as a "fantastic mum", while others said they would miss Miss Smith's smile.

"God bless your two young girls who will miss their mummy," the message said.

Friend Steve Cunningham said Miss Smith was a good mother and a good friend. He said he was "gutted" about her death.

He said: "Charlie was a good friend of mine. I've known her for most of my life."

The two arrested men are being questioned by officers investigating Miss Smith's murder. Miss Warren said: "A 37-year-old male was arrested on Sunday and a second male, also aged 37, was arrested later on Sunday evening."

By Kirsty Marston and Deborah Collins