A TRANSGENDER woman who died in a suspected murder has been described as a hero of the LGBT community.

Amy Griffiths was discovered dead at her flat in Chalverton Court, Droitwich, on Monday. Police said she had suffered head and throat injuries.

Martin Saberi, aged 53, was charged with murdering Amy, whose name was also given in court as Michael Griffiths. Saberi is due to appear at Worcester Crown Court today.

Connor Turner, one of Amy's friends, said the 51-year-old was a 'hero' in the local LGBT community.

He added: "She didn't have a selfish bone in her body. She helped me through some difficult times when I was younger.

"I knew her from when I was 15-years-old. I ended up on the streets for a bit. She found me outside a local shopping market and offered to cook me tea.

"Our friendship blossomed, she taught me how to love myself and care for myself. At the time I was coming out as bisexual.

"I was absolutely devastated when I heard about her death. I'm heartbroken."

Mr Turner, who works at the Bell Inn, in St John's, was told by a friend that Amy used to be in the military and had also been married.

The 21-year-old barman said Amy helped people with their drag acts and loved cats, reptiles and air rifles.

He added that Amy frequented The Flag nightclub, in Lowesmoor, when he worked there.

Another friend of Amy's, Mike Davis, aged 24, said she was a reserved, well-mannered woman.

He added: "We lived in the same apartment complex in Worcester.

"She was just a lovely person with a good sense of humour.

"We met quite a while ago, in 2015. Amy lived with her girlfriend at the time.

"She transitioned before I met her."

Mr Davis, who now lives in Stourport, said he was shocked when he found out on Wednesday that Amy had died.

The barber also believed Amy had previously been married and had at least one child.

A carer who works at Chalverton Court told the Worcester News that they saw police tape at the property on Tuesday morning.

They added that a forensic tent was set up in the evening.

The carer said: "It's only old people that live here. This is the first time we have seen something like this in Droitwich."

A 52-year-old resident, of Alderbrook Road, Droitwich, added: "I saw her at the bus stop.

"We exchanged pleasantries. She seemed friendly, she said good morning. It's very sad.

"The only time we see police and ambulance up here is if someone's taken poorly. I never expected this."

Police said Amy suffered head and throat injuries and was declared dead at the scene on Monday.

Officers were searching the area around her home yesterday.

Saberi, of Brackley Close, Wallington, Surrey, was held in custody yesterday but failed to appear at a hearing in Kidderminster Magistrates Court.

The hearing went ahead in his absence and he will appear in Worcester Crown Court today.

A spokesman for West Mercia Homes, which owns Chalverton Court, said: “We are shocked and saddened by this incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Miss Griffiths at this time.

“We continue to assist West Mercia Police with their enquiries and we are providing support for our residents at Chalverton Court.”

Chalverton Court is a social housing scheme which is let to people over the age of 45. It is a block consisting of 41 self-contained flats.

West Mercia Homes confirmed that Saberi was not one of its tenants.