THE family of a woman killed in her home paid tribute to the devoted mother last night.

Susan Ashton and Colin Barker spoke as the first pictures of their sister, Joanna Luke, 37, who died on Sunday night, were released yesterday.

In a statement, Mrs Ashton said: "Jo was a fun loving, outgoing, generous person.

"She was a devoted mother who was inseparable from Kimberley and Kieran and she absolutely loved her job.

"We are all absolutely devastated but, as a family, we have drawn together and supported each other during the last few days."

Last night, detectives renewed their appeal for witnesses in the hope locals could help piece together the mother-of-two's movements in the hour before she died.

Paramedics and police arrived at Mrs Luke's home in Priory Gardens, Willington, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, to find her unconscious in the living room.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, but died shortly after from head injuries.

A post-mortem examination concluded she had been hit on the head with a blunt object. Mrs Luke, who had worked as an accountant with a voluntary agency in Durham for ten years, had a ten-year-old-son and 17-year-old daughter.

On the night she died, she gave her daughter a lift to Durham, where she was meeting friends.

She then drove to Rosedale Estate, Willington, to visit a friend.

She was on the estate for a short time from about 9pm before she drove the short distance home in her light blue Rover car. It is thought she was attacked in her home at about 10pm.

A 45-year-old man, believed to be Mrs Luke's husband, Michael, was still in hospital last night awaiting medical tests.

He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, but released and admitted to hospital. He has not been charged.

Acting Detective Superintendent Neil Malkin, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have taken statements from a number of people, including family, friends and local residents.

"We know Mrs Luke was in the Rosedale Estate for a time on the evening she died and I would like to hear from anyone in the area who might have seen her or heard a disturbance at any time. She was wearing a grey blouse and black denim trousers."

Acting Det Sgt Malkin said officers had interviewed Mrs Luke's son, who had been in the house when his mother was assaulted.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365.