Family pay tribute to woman found murdered in blaze car

Catherine Wells-Burr, 23, was found in her red Ford Focus, which was abandoned in a field by the side of a road near Ilminster, Somerset.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested last night on suspicion of murder and currently remains in police custody.

Two men also arrested have been eliminated from the inquiry, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The Bath Spa University graduate leaves her mother Jayne, father Phil, sister Leanne, and boyfriend Rafal Nowak.

In a statement they said: “We have lost our beautiful Catherine; she was full of character, she was caring, loving, and had a bubbly personality. She had a wonderful sense of humour, and was an amazing, special person.

They added: “We have found this hard to understand why someone would have done this to her.

“There are no words to express how we feel about what has happened to her early on Wednesday morning. We desperately need to know why. She will be sadly missed.

“If anyone has any information, no matter how small, please contact the Police incident room on 101 at Taunton.”

The alwarm was raised by passing motorists who spotted the blazing five-door vehicle shortly before 6.30am on Wednesday off the A358 in Ashill.

Fire crews extinguished the flames and found her body inside the wreckage.

Avon and Somerset detectives have appealed for witnesses describing her death as “tragic and brutal”.

Police said they are still working to establish what happened in the early hours of Wednesday. A post mortem examination was due to be held yesterday

Miss Wells-Burr, who lived in the town of Chard with her family, worked as a business analyst for Numatic International Ltd, which is best known for manufacturing Henry vacuum cleaners.

Her employers said: “Catherine was a valued employee who worked with us in manufacturing during her university holidays and after graduation as a full time employee.

“She moved to our IS department last year to further her career as Business Analyst.

“We are all shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts are with Catherine’s family and all those affected.”

Floral tributes have been left with heartfelt messages at the scene where her body was found while thousands of people have taken to social network sites to leave messages.