Tributes have been paid to grandmother Linda Sheard, who was found dead at her home in Brixington.

The close-knit family of Exmouth woman Linda Sheard, 63, are supporting each other through the ‘horrific circumstances’ of her death.

A friend of Mrs Sheard, who did not want to be named, said the family of the ‘lovely’ mother of five had been pulling together and supporting each other through their grief since her death.

Mrs Sheard’s body was found at her Port Mer Close home in Brixington on Wednesday, July 11.

The friend said: “She was just a genuine person. She was devoted to her family.

“Her family were everything to her, without doubt.

“She was the centre of that family, particularly with her grandchildren.

“She was a lovely lady. Her family are absolutely devastated with the horrific circumstances of her death. I don’t know how they are dealing with it. They are coping incredibly well.”

One of Mrs Sheard’s grandchildren led the tributes to her much-loved ‘special grannie’ - leaving a floral tribute outside her grandmother’s home.

“I didn’t know how much I loved you until I lost you,” wrote the grandchild.

“Same goes with how much you meant to me. I love you with all my heart.”

The youngster also hoped her grannie had found a ‘special place’ where she would ‘always be happy’.

Neighbours and close friends of Linda Sheard also left floral tributes on the doorstep of her home.

All spoke of a ‘kind and gentle’ woman who will be much-missed. Some wrote of the ‘tragic loss’ and others were thinking of Mrs Sheard’s children and grandchildren.