Tributes have been paid to an “inspirational” mother and daughter who are the focus of a double murder investigation.
Laura Mortimer, 31, and her 11-year-old daughter Ella Dalby were both pronounced dead at a house in Dexter Way, Gloucester.
Police were called to a modern terrace property on the outskirts of the city early on Bank Monday morning, responding to reports that two people had been seriously injured.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
It is understood the mother-of-three ran her own business, Sweet Beginnings, offering bespoke bridal gowns and wedding planning services.
A wedding photographer based in Gloucestershire, who did not wish to be named, said: “Laura was a lovely lady with a kind word for everyone.
“An inspiration to many people, not only personally but in the wedding industry too.
“She worked so hard to get where she did and was extremely well respected throughout Gloucestershire and beyond.
“I know every Sweet Beginnings bride and wedding supplier is thinking of her and her family.”
Tributes have been paid on Facebook, with one saying: “Been in so much shock all day and still have no words, I’m absolutely heart broken and keep thinking someone is going to say they got it wrong.
“Fly high Laura and keep Ella safe with you. It’s just unthinkable. Your poor little girls.”
One friend wrote: “RIP Laura & your daughter Ella. Absolutely tragic. Really feel for your other two little princesses now to be left without their mummy & big sister. Just awful news.”
Another said: “Laura and I were good friends and I’m in extreme shock.
“I tell you what I cannot, cannot, cannot believe this. Gutted does not even come close and that beautiful daughter Ella she was Laura’s rock…”
Another friend posted: “Can’t believe it. RIP Laura and Ella taken far too soon. Fly high you two beautiful angels thoughts are with your family and friends at this awful time.”
Forensic officers were at the scene in Dexter Way, which is part of the new St Oswald’s Park housing estate built on the site of a former cattle market.
“A 28-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of the murder of the woman and the girl. He is still being questioned by officers,” a police spokesman said.
“Forensic inquiries will be continuing and post-mortem examinations are due to take place in the coming days.
“The family of the victims has asked for privacy at this time. We would like to thank the local community for their patience and assistance today.
“Multi-agency meetings will be held over the coming days, with the aim of providing support to our communities, particularly young people.”
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here