DEVASTATED relatives of a woman whose dead body was found in the boot of a car today paid tribute to their “ray of sunshine”.Speaking after two men appeared in court charged with her murder, the 34-year-old's family told of their sadness and shock at her death.

DEVASTATED relatives of a woman whose dead body was found in the boot of a car today paid tribute to their “ray of sunshine”.

Speaking after two men appeared in court charged with her murder, the 34-year-old's family told of their sadness and shock at her death.

The hospice worker's body was discovered in the boot of a green Ford Escort car that had been driven to Ipswich police station at 10.30pm on Saturday.

A statement released by Ms West's family said: “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by Nicola's recent death. However, we wish to remember her as she was - the kindest, most thoughtful person, a ray of sunshine to us all.

“Her love and caring for others knew no bounds. She was a beloved fiancée, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.

“Although her loss has left a gaping hole in the lives of all who knew and adored her, we all take solace that one day we shall see her again. This world didn't deserve her and now she rests in a better place. Our 'special' Nicky.”

Ms West, of Leather Bottle Hill, Little Blakenham, went to school in the Colchester area, but is believed to have lived in Suffolk for several years.

Yesterday the two-bedroom semi-detached house where Ms West lived with her fiancé, known to neighbours as “Jim”, remained unoccupied.

One neighbour said: “We had been hoping to see Jim but no one has been back to the house since it happened.

“The curtains are drawn and we presume Jim must be staying with friends or family.”