TRIBUTES have been paid to a "one in a million" woman who was found dead in a "quiet" residential road as a murder probe has been launched.

Wendy Francis, aged 61, has been described by her family as a "much-loved lady" who will be "hugely missed" after she died in Haresfield Close in Warndon last night (Saturday). 

A second woman, aged 38, was found with life-threatening injuries but is now in a stable condition.

A man, aged 50, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the incident which happened at 8.30pm.

In a statement, Wendy’s family said: “Wendy will be hugely missed; she was one in a million and much-loved.”

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "Although formal identification has yet to take place, with permission of the family we are able to confirm that Wendy Francis, aged 61, sadly lost her life in the incident which is being investigated by West Mercia Police."

Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding of the Murder Investigation Unit said: "I understand that incidents of this nature can be alarming, but I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.

"You will notice a higher police presence in the area in the coming days as officers investigate this incident.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has sadly lost her life."