TRIBUTES have been paid to a “beautiful lady with a beautiful heart” whose death has sparked a murder inquiry.

Friends of Lucy Simms have left flowers and handwritten messages outside the Southampton home where the 26-year-old was found dead.

One friend, Keith Spooner, even took to the video sharing website YouTube to leave his own heartfelt tribute. He said he was “so shocked” by Lucy’s death and described her as “very beautiful” and “incredibly talented”.

Another friend, Beth Williams, told the Daily Echo: “Lucy was the life and soul of the party and always had a big smile on her face. “She was one of those people who everyone knew. She’ll be deeply missed by a lot of people.”

In one touching message left outside the house in Vinery Road, Shirley, Dionne Bartlett and Carrie Aldridge wrote: “We watched you grow and blossom into an amazing, strong, individual, beautiful flower. So proud to be part of your journey. You’ll be forever tattooed on our hearts.”

Another message simply said: “For a beautiful lady with a beautiful heart. You will be truly missed. Love Martin and Lisa.”

As previously reported police have arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Last night he was bailed pending further inquiries, until August 13.

Yesterday the curtains were still drawn at the semi-detached home. A police officer was standing guard outside while a police forensics van was parked nearby.

A post-mortem began on Wednesday, but police last night said the cause of death was still unknown and that further tests are being carried out.

Shocked residents living in the area have described how a huge police presence, including uniformed and non-uniformed officers and a sniffer dog team, descended on the scene on Tuesday following the discovery of Lucy’s body.

They described how officers combed front and back gardens in the hunt for suspicious items while a silver Toyota Rav4 4x4 was towed away from Vinery Road.

Letters were posted by police to houses near the crime scene asking for information and witnesses. Meanwhile other addresses were being searched at different locations across the city as police attempted to establish Lucy’s last known movements.