POLICE conducting a murder inquiry have named a dead woman whose body was found in her home as Catherine McDonald.

October 4 update - investigation latest - click here.

Post mortem tests have shown the cause of death was stabbing and asphyxiation.

She was found in Hilly Park, Norton Fitzwarren, on Tuesday evening, when officers broke down her door following a call from her employer who was worried because she had not turned up for work.

Her parents have paid tribute to their “dear daughter” and asked to be allowed to grieve in privacy.

They have issued a statement through the police which says: “News has just been brought to us about the death of our daughter Catherine McDonald.

“It can never be easy to receive such information but to find out that a loved one’s life has been ended in such circumstances, makes it all the harder to bear.

“Catherine was a dear daughter; we will miss her greatly and are working with the police to bring a speedy conclusion to their investigation.

“As a family we would ask the public to contact the police with any information that might assist, no matter how small or insignificant you might think it is.”

A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody after officers obtained a 36-hour extension to question him.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting Operation Samara, or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 or on-line via bit.ly/1pwX42m