Family tribute to stabbed mother

Mrs Sinclair's family said she was dedicated to her twin boys

The family of a businesswoman found stabbed to death in her secluded country home have paid tribute to her.

The body of Sally Sinclair, 40, was found on Saturday evening at the house near Amport, in Hampshire, where she lived with her husband and children.

She was head of business analysis at the mobile telephone company Vodafone's headquarters in Newbury, Berkshire. A 47-year-old man remains in custody.

Mrs Sinclair's mother said she was caring and hardworking.

Nicolette Alford said her daughter, who was her only child, was "a clever, bright, hardworking girl" who loved her twin 10-year-old boys and her job.

She didn't want people to worry about her, so she would keep her troubles to herself Sally Sinclair's mother

"She was a wonderful mother and worked tirelessly to give her children a happy life. She was the most caring person I have ever known," she said.

"Even if she was upset or unhappy, she would always think of others first and offer sympathy and support.

"She didn't want people to worry about her, so she would keep her troubles to herself, whilst putting on a brave face for the rest of the world.

"I cannot think of anybody who would have a bad word to say about her, wherever she went, school, college, employment, she was always popular, people just wanted to be her friend.

Her step-father Barry Alford added: "She was dedicated to her twin boys and sacrificed a lot to keep them happy.

"She has achieved so much in her life and was about to embark on a new course when her life was cruelly taken from her.

"We miss her so much."

The Sinclairs were described by neighbours as very private

Matthew Brearley, human resources director of Vodafone UK, said Mrs Sinclair had been with the company since 1994.

He said: "Sally will be deeply missed by her colleagues here at Vodafone.

"Our sympathy goes out to Sally's family and friends."

She is understood to have lived at the rented property with her husband, who stayed at home to care for their boys.

Mr Sinclair was believed to have sold second-hand cars from the house.

Neighbours said the family were very private, did not socialise and that the house looked deserted with the curtains always drawn.

Hampshire police said a team from the major crime department was following up several lines of inquiry.

A post-mortem examination showed Mrs Sinclair died as a result of injuries to her upper body.