'A tornado of love with a massive zest for life': Heartbroken family pay tribute to beloved mum found dead at Stockport home

A murder enquiry was initially launched before being later dropped

The family of a beloved mum whose death sparked a murder probe that was later dropped have paid a heartbreaking tribute to her.

The body of mum-of-two Emma Francesca Jay, 31, known as Francesca to friends and family, was discovered at her home in Stockport last Friday.

Emergency services raced to Bateson Street near the town centre at around 1:15am after a report of a concern for her welfare. She was sadly declared dead at the scene.

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Officers began a murder investigation with a 36-year-old man being held for questioning. However, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the following day that they were 'satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances', that the man had been de-arrested and that the murder probe had been 'stood down.'

Franceca's devastated family have now spoken for the first time, describing her as a 'force of nature' who 'loved by so many people.' Speaking on their behalf, her sister Kate Garratt, 38, said: "Francesca was our everything. She was a force of nature. A tornado of love with a massive zest for life.

"Loved by so very many people. Best friend, confident, mother, daughter and sister. Francesca helped everyone around her with everything she could. Her spirit was generous and giving. She'll be missed more than words can describe."

The family have now launched a crowdfunding appeal in order to help with funeral costs and to help support her children moving forward. Almost £3,500 has already been donated. YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE AND DONATE HERE.

"The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming and beautiful" Kate said. "We want to thank everybody for all of their kind words.

"We are trying to raise funds to give her the send-off that she deserves and to ensure her children have everything they will need. Thank you to anyone who has donated so far."

South Manchester Coroner's Office today (Wednesday) confirmed a file had been passed to them regarding the death. An inquest is expected to be opened in due course.

In a statement issued on Saturday, GMP said following a post-mortem, the cause of death remained unascertained but that they had 'carried out extensive enquiries and are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances.'

Detective Inspector Chris Aunins from the force's Stockport CID sad: "I would like to reassure the public that a rigorous investigation is ongoing to determine exactly what caused this ladies death. I can however confirm it is no longer being treated as a murder investigation and further tests will be carried out."