Tribute to woman found strangled

Anne Sutton and her husband had been married for 48 years

A 71-year-old woman found strangled at a house in Lancashire was a "gentle, kind and genuinely welcoming woman", a local minister has said.

Anne Sutton was found at the Tarleton home she shared with her 81-year-old husband Jack.

He has been arrested and is being assessed under the Mental Health Act.

The Reverend Kevin Jones, of Hesketh Lane Methodist Church, where Mrs Hesketh was a life member, said the pair had been married for 48 years.

He said they were "both well-known in the local community through their involvement in the local chapel".

The family are deeply saddened and seeking to come to terms with the sudden death of a loved mother and grandmother The Reverend Kevin Jones

"Anne was a gentle, kind and genuinely welcoming woman, with a quiet nature and a warm smile," Mr Jones said.

"She had a strong Christian faith and raised her family in the church just yards from their door.

"Her gentleness was evident to all and she was the kind of person it was a pleasure to be with."

Police were called to the house in Hesketh Lane on Tuesday morning.

Mrs Sutton was pronounced dead at the scene and tests later revealed she died from strangulation.

"The family are deeply saddened and seeking to come to terms with the sudden death of a loved mother and grandmother," said Mr Jones.

"Jack, who has been ill for some time following a stroke, is still being interviewed by the police concerning her death.

"Because of this the family are concerned not only about the death of Anne but also deeply concerned for Jack."

The couple have two daughters and a son.