Man charged with murder after woman found bludgeoned to death at Crawley flat

Christina Abbotts, 29, called 'sweet', 'loving' and 'light in our life'

Christina Abbotts (Sussex Police)

The family of a woman found bludgeoned to death in bed have said the "light in our life" is now "extinguished".

Christina Abbotts, 29, was found by police at the flat where she was living in Crawley after friends raised the alarm when she failed to turn up to her own birthday party on Friday.

Zahid Naseem, 47, appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court on Monday morning charged with her murder.

The scene in Highams Hill, Gossops Green, Crawley, West Sussex on Saturday after a woman in her 20s was found dead in a bed in a flat (PA)

In a tribute released by Sussex Police, Ms Abbotts’ family described her as "sweet" and "loving".

They said: "Christina, our sweet loving daughter and best friend, educated at Cirencester and Oxford, will be sorely missed.

“This independent lady, a much-travelled person, was taken from us far too early. Her friends in London and parts of the UK will also be grieving.

"The light in our life is now extinguished."

Neighbours in the Gossops Green area of the town told how police arrived in numbers shortly after 10.30pm on Friday.

Naseem – who knew Ms Abbotts – was arrested at the flat suffering minor injuries.

Appearing before magistrates, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address. He wore a grey tracksuit, reports PA.

Maria Slater, prosecuting, asked for the case to be sent straight to a crown court because the nature of the allegation was so serious.

Naseem, of Elm Close, Amersham, nodded as he was told he would be remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Heater said: "We are supporting Christina's family and they have asked for privacy at this time.