Tributes have been paid to a grandmother fatally stabbed in the neck at a thatched cottage in a picturesque Hampshire village.
Gilly Livie, 68, was found seriously injured in the Cheriton home at 10.30am on January 9.
A 39-year-old man known to Ms Livie was also found suffering life-threatening injuries.
The quaint cottage, with only a few neighbouring houses, is at the end of a tiny country lane which was flooded in Thursday’s heavy rain.
She was well known in the village as a ‘ lovely, kind and considerate lady’regularly spotted walking her beloved dogs.
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A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘She’s a housekeeper, she was a lovely lady.’
One friend paid tribute online, saying: ‘Gilly was such a wonderful lady.
‘This is heartbreaking for all involved. So much love to all those affected.’
Another added: ‘A much-loved mother and grandmother. She was a beautiful soul.’
A police spokesman said: ‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of attending officers and our colleagues in the ambulance service, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘Her next-of-kin have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.
‘A post-mortem has been carried out and confirmed that Gilly died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.’
He said: ‘The man had injuries to his neck and leg that were initially described as life-threatening. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.’
The force spokesman said that no-one else was being sought in connection with the incident.
He added: ‘An investigation was launched and detectives have been working to establish the exact circumstances of what took place.’
The force has confirmed that it has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as it is understood that officers had attended the address prior to the fatal incident.
A force spokeswoman said: ‘A referral was put into the IOPC due to prior police contact but was returned for local investigation.’
A police forensic officer wearing white overalls and mask could be seen entering the house, which is sealed off with a police guard.
Chief Inspector Korine Bishop said: ‘We know this incident will cause great shock in the community. I want to reassure people we have a large number of officers working hard on this investigation.
‘While those enquiries are ongoing, we do not believe there is any further or ongoing risk to the community. At this time we are not looking for any other third party in connection to this investigation, but will continue to investigate with an open mind.
‘Our officers have been carrying out enquiries at the address since this was reported to us and are likely to remain in the area in the coming days.
‘If you live locally and have any concerns or questions, please speak to those uniformed officers.’
