A community rocked by the death of a treasured friend and neighbour is today in mourning as the first picture of the woman tragically killed in a crash on the A12 is revealed.

News of Mafalda Sofia Do Nascimento Pio’s death has shocked the close-knit Portuguese community living in the town.

Friends of the 34-year-old are today struggling to come to terms with the loss of a “popular and well-loved” woman.

Her partner, named locally as Jose Rideiro, lived with Mafalda in Bramford Lane after moving from Thetford. He is said to be devastated by her death.

Mafalda, who worked at a chicken factory in Ipswich, was travelling in a BMW on Sunday, September 26, when it left off the road, ploughing into a bridge near to the Dedham turn off.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood she was travelling with Joao Alves, the driver, and her partner of around 12 years, Mr Rideiro.

They were on their way back from a car boot sale in Colchester when the horror crash happened on the northbound carriageway.

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- Pay your tributes to Mafalda Sofia Do Nascimento Pio. Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324738 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk