Murdered woman named

Collette Magee was found stabbed in her own home

Detectives have named the murdered woman who was found in a Luton flat by officers investigating a separate rape allegation.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed on Wednesday that the body of 44-year-old Collette Magee was discovered by officers at her one-bedroomed home at Marlow House, Marlow Avenue on Monday night.

Officers made the discovery during an investigation into a claim that another woman had been raped at the flat after being abducted from a Luton car park at 1715 GMT the same day.

The police also confirmed that they had been given an extension until 1700 GMT on Thursday to question a man in connection with the offences.

Family left devastated

Ms Magee's sister and brother-in-law Rita and Ian James said in a statement on Wednesday that the family had been left "shattered".

"Our whole family is devastated by the news of Collette's death," they said.

"Although she left Northern Ireland some years ago, her sudden and brutal death has shattered the lives of her father, brothers, sisters and three sons.

"We hope that the person responsible for this act is swiftly brought to justice".

Hunt continues

A Bedfordshire police spokeswoman added: "A man is currently being questioned by police in connection with her death.

"A custody extension has been granted by magistrates allowing police to hold him until 1700 GMT on Thursday."

Officers are also still searching for a man, who is black, 6 ft tall and has short hair, who was seen in Osborne Road prior to Monday night's abduction.