TOUCHING family tributes have been paid to a woman who died after she was shot at her home in Southend.

Christy Walshe, who was 40, was found seriously injured at an address in Sutton Road, Southend, on Sunday, January 13, but she sadly died in hospital two days later.

Described by her family as an independent and proud woman, who was "unwaveringly loyal", Christy's mum Jacqui and her child who did not want to be named gave details of good times they had had with her and described her character, despite sharing their heartbreak.

In a statement, her child said: “My mum had a very good sense of humour. She was very funny, making us smile when she laughed at her own jokes even the bad ones.

“She was always full of beans and enthusiastic about life, and loved all animals but especially her two dogs, Lizard and Dego.

“For all my mum’s good points cooking wasn’t one of them. As a child I remember having to eat eight hour cooked chicken and an experimental omelette of salmon and cabbage, both of which were interesting, but that was my mum.

“My mum was very independent and could be stubborn at times but for all this I love her and will miss her very much.

“She was my mum but she was also my friend.”

Christy’s mum Jacqui said: “Christy was a much loved daughter and sister.

“She spent much of her childhood with her devoted grandparents and is described by her Grandad as a beautiful granddaughter.

“Like all families we had our ups and downs but even through the difficulties we loved her deeply.

“She was an independent and proud woman, unwaveringly loyal and had a strong personality.

“We are all absolutely heartbroken, her aunts and uncles devastated. You always think you have time to put things right.

“We lost Christy’s Grandmother recently, but know they are together again which brings us some comfort.”

Michael Strudwick, 33, of Sutton Road, Southend, has been charged with Christy’s murder.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on February 11 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.