THE family of a woman who died in a Bournemouth flat last week have paid tribute to her.

Police were called to a flat at Gainslea Court, Derby Road, at around 6.23pm on Friday, September 16 after reports that a woman had died.

On their arrival at the property, officers found Hayley Dean, 38.

She had sustained a serious head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found that Ms Dean died from blunt force trauma to her head.

A murder investigation was launched by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

On Tuesday, September 20, Ms Dean was formally identified by her family.

In a statement released by police, Ms Dean's family said: "Hayley was a very bubbly and funny girl who was adored by everyone she met.

"She had lots of friends and enjoyed spending time with them.

"She always had a smile on her face and was full of life.

"She is going to be very sadly missed.

"She enjoyed fashion, make-up and hair and loved to make herself look nice.

"She completed a hairdressing course and it was her dream to open her own salon one day.

"We are all devastated that Hayley has gone and we feel like we are living a nightmare.

"The only thing that has kept us going is the love and support that has been shown to us from our family, friends and the many friends Hayley had.

"This support has been truly overwhelming."

James Augustus John D’Arcy, 50 and of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and is next due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, November 22 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Dorset Police has referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) due to prior contact between Ms Dean and police officers regarding another person who is not the defendant.