TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who was found dead in her Worcester home, with one neighbour saying she doesn’t “feel safe” after police opened a murder investigation.

Officers were called to Carnforth Drive on Wednesday evening, after a woman – named by police as 51-year-old Julie Fox – was found to have died in her home in what police believe were “suspicious” circumstances.

“It’s frightening, knowing that there’s somebody that’s been around here and could’ve done something like that,” said the mum, who did not wish to be named.

“You can’t even live on your own street anymore, can you? You don’t feel safe at all,” she added.

The neighbour, who has lived on the street for six years, went on to say Ms Fox had cerebral palsy and had been a student at nearby Regency High School, but lived alone.

“I used to walk down past her house and would see her on my way to Sainsbury’s or on the bus a few times,” she said.

“My husband knew her as they both went to Regency – he’s disabled too. I used to say ‘Hi’ whenever I saw her. We used to have a quick ‘hi, how are you?’ kind of chat.”

She said Ms Fox had a dog and did have a partner, but she believes he died some time ago.

“But she really just kept herself to herself, like people do. She was a very nice lady though,” she added.

Another neighbour told the Worcester News: “It’s a tragedy. You feel terrible. It’s something you never want to happen to anybody.”

With another adding: “Condolences to the family. It’s very sad to hear.”

People have taken to Facebook to pay tribute to Ms Fox, with Tracy Lewis describing her as a “lovely lady”.

She said Ms Fox “used to be a regular” at the Blackpole Inn a few years ago, adding: “can’t believe anyone would want to harm her”.

Hayley Lewis said: “She was a nice lady who did indeed keep herself to herself but always had a kind word for my daughter.”

Tina Pincott said: “Such a sad thing to read. Sweet dreams Julie, thinking of your family and friends at such a sad time.”

Jill Redmond added: “My childhood friend, I am so very sad to hear of this. Rest in peace, dear Julie.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Travis said: “There will be increased patrols in the area while investigations continue.

“We are appealing to anyone in the community who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between December 22 and 27 to please come forward or speak with a local officer.”