A relative of a woman whose body was found in the river as part of a murder investigation has described her as a "sweet, thoughtful and talented woman."

The family member, who did not want us to name her, said the sudden death of Christina Rowe, 28, "did not feel real."

Miss Rowe's body was pulled from the river following an overnight search by police, firefighters and specialist divers. The discovery came after police cordoned off three locations in the city - Cheviot Close, in Tolladine, where Miss Rowe lived, a home in Waterworks Road, and Diglis footbridge.

Charles Byrne, 24, from Waterworks Road, has been charged with murder and attempted murder of a second person and appeared in court.

He did not enter a plea and has been remanded in custody and will return to face trial at Worcester Crown Court on February 16.

The relative said: "She's was a sweet, thoughtful and a talented woman. She was not judgemental, but deeply understanding, very philosophical and God-fearing.

"She loved to read, and make music and dance.

"She was very intellectual and spiritual. A deep thinker and she dreamed to be a writer."

The relative said that Miss Rowe, a mum, had loved her daughter deeply and had been living in Worcester for more than three years. She was originally from the Philippines.

She added: "I hope justice is served."