Chitradevi Chandran, who worked as an occupational therapist in Huntingdon, died last Monday after being attacked with a claw hammer at her home in Midland Road, Peterborough.

Today, county lead for children's services at Cambridgeshire Community Services, Janet Dullaghan, paid tribute to the 31-year-old.

She said: "We are shocked and saddened by Chitradevi's tragic death.
"Chitradevi's passing is a loss to our service. She was a very kind, warm and cheerful member of staff. Chitradevi will be greatly missed by her colleagues.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family at this distressing time."
Chitra, as she was known by her family, is said by former neighbours in Huntingdon to have come from a Hindu family, but converted religions a few years ago, and had become a devout Christian.

Ms Chandran suffered severe head injuries following the incident on July 26. She was taken to Peterborough District Hospital and later transferred to a specialist unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, where she died.

In a short statement, Ms Chandran's family said she would be missed by her family and friends after being taken from them in "unforeseen circumstances".

Meanwhile, her neighbours described her as "lovely, kind, caring and pretty".

Her 56-year-old mother, who was also seriously injured in the incident, remains in a stable condition in Addenbrooke's Hospital, after undergoing major surgery for head injuries.

>> Ms Chandran's husband, Anburaj Arjunan (31), who has been charged with attempted murder of Chitradevi Chandran and the attempted murder of Ms Chandran's mother, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court.
He will appear again at the court on October 31, when it is expected he will enter a plea.
Police are appealing for anyone who was associated with Ms Chandran socially or her family to contact Det Insp Nick Hunt on 0845 456 4564.