The family of Vittoria Baker has paid tribute to her after the discovery of her body last week led to a murder inquiry.

The 52-year-old’s daughter Kauthar Silvera, 29, appeared at Oxford’s crown and magistrates’ courts on Monday charged with her murder.

In a statement released yesterday her family said: “Vittoria was a loving daughter, mother, sister and aunt.

“We do not yet know what precipitated the very sudden and tragic events.

“As a family we are still in shock and struggling emotionally as we find ourselves in the most unimaginable circumstances.

“We would like to thank all our friends for their kind words of comfort and condolences at this very sad time.”

Ms Baker was found dead at her flat in Friars Wharf, Oxford, last Thursday.

A post mortem examination found she died of a stab wound.

Silvera was remanded in custody to enter a plea on Monday, November 5.

A provisional trial date of February 11 has also been set.