A MAN has been charged with the murder of 36-year-old Dawlish mother-of-three Sophie McDonald (pictured).

James Luke McDonald, also 36 and from Dawlish, is expected to appear before Exeter magistrates tomorrow (sat) charged with her murder.

Ms McDonald's body was found by police at a property in Idesleigh Terrace early on Thursday after she had been reported missing the evening before by her family.

Luke McDonald was arrested at the address and taken into custody at Exeter.

Several floral tributes have been left at the scene of Thursday's grim discovery.

Ms McDonald's family, who released the picture, said she was a 'loving mum, daughter, sister and friend.'

They asked to be left in peace to grieve to come to terms with the tragic events.

A missing person alert was issued by police at 2.45am on Thursday. It revealed that she had been reported missing on Wednesday night after family attempts to contact her had failed.

Coastguards, a lifeboat crew and the police helicopter undertook immediate searches of the area.

Scenes of crime officers spent yesterday and today (fri) at the town centre terraced property.

Specially trained officers have been supporting her family while the Major Crime Investigation team carry out further inquiries.