TRIBUTES have today been paid to a “popular” pregnant mother who was found dead in her Ipswich home.

Naomi Cassidy

TRIBUTES have today been paid to a “popular” pregnant mother who was found dead in her Ipswich home.

The 23-year-old woman, known as Gemma, was found dead in her home in the Chantry area on Thursday, April 10.

Paramedics received a 999 call from the house but on arrival discovered the woman had already died.

Gemma, who had two other boys - a three-year-old and a one-year-old - was believed to be six months pregnant and lived alone.

It is thought a friend tried phoning her and when she did not answer went round there.

One of the boys opened the door and the friend called an ambulance straight away, neighbours said.

It is believed the children are now staying with Lee - the children's father and Gemma's boyfriend.

A neighbour, Joyce Smith, said: “We said hello to each other and passed the time of day. I would see the boys playing in the garden. They (Gemma and Lee) were a lovely couple. She had lots of friends and seemed very popular.”

Her mother from Colchester has been round to the house since to clear some possessions.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “We were called to an address in Ipswich at 4.10pm on Thursday, April 10. A woman was found deceased. A post mortem was carried out which was inconclusive. Further tests are being done. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Did you know Gemma and want to pay tribute to her? Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk