A MAN was charged with murder yesterday evening (Tuesday) following the stabbing of a woman in Loughton.

Gillian Andrade, 39, was found stabbed inside a house in Churchfields, where she lived, by police shortly after 6.30am on Sunday (July 8).

Daniel Hodges, 30, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene on Sunday and has now been charged with one count of murder.

The oil rigger has been detained in police custody until he is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today (Wednesday).

Gillian’s family said, in a brief statement yesterday: "We are devastated at the loss of our much loved mother and daughter.

"She has been taken from us under such tragic circumstances.

"She will always be loved in our hearts and will never be forgotten.”

Click here to follow the Epping Forest Guardian on Twitter