Helen Bailey death: Family members pay tribute after author's body is discovered buried next to her dog

Family says author was 'immensely witty and talented'

Helen Bailey, 51, is believed to have gone missing with her dog, a miniature Dachscund (Hertfordshire Police)

The family of Helen Bailey has paid tribute to the teen novellist as it’s been confirmed her body was found alongside that of her dog at her home in Hertfordshire.

Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit confirmed on Saturday the body which was found at the grounds of her Royston home on Friday belonged to the Electra Brown author.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Fullwood said: “We can now confirm it is Helen Bailey’s body which was located within the grounds of her home yesterday, along with the body of her dog Boris.

“The searches, which resulted in the discovery, have been painstaking and more work will need to take place in the coming days.

“Specialist officers are continuing to support Helen’s family at this extremely difficult time.”

Following the news, the family of the 51-year-old released a tribute to Bailey, saying: “We share with Helen’s friends, neighbours and fans our shock, disbelief and sadness at the news of her tragic death. As a family we also stand in solidarity with those around the world who have also suffered loss under tragic circumstances.

“Helen was immensely witty and talented. We love her deeply and are immensely proud of her achievements. She is now at peace and we shall all miss her terribly.

“We wish to express our gratitude to the Police as well as all those who supported us in the search for Helen in whatever way they could.”

“In life, Helen was a very just person and we know that she would now wish, like us, for justice to be done. As will be understandable, we request that our privacy be respected at this awful time.”

Bailey was reported missing in April and was last seen walking her dog.

: A 55-year-old man Ian Stewart, known to be Bailey’s partner, appeared at Hatfield Remand Court today charged with her murder. He is also charged with perverting the course of justice and preventing lawful burial. He is due to appear before St Albans Crown court on Monday 18 July. :