The most awesome mummy - that is how a Norwich woman who was killed at the weekend has today been described by her sons.

Eastern Daily Press: Kerri McAuley. Photo: Norfolk PoliceKerri McAuley. Photo: Norfolk Police (Image: Norfolk Police)

Detectives launched a murder investigation after Kerri McAuley, 32, was found dead at her home in Southalls Way, Norwich, on Sunday evening.

The family of Ms McAuley have released a statement thanking family and friends for their support following her death.

Her mother said: 'Words can't describe the pain we are feeling at the untimely and horrific loss of our dearest Kerri. The love and support displayed by her family and friends is overwhelming and immensely comforting.

'This love and support is giving us the strength to help carry Kerri's two beautiful boys through their loss, in their words, of the most awesome and everything mummy'.

Eastern Daily Press: Scene of murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLYScene of murder on Southalls Way, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Ms McAuuley's brother, Rory, who plays for Lowestoft Town, has requested that a minute's applause be held to remember his sister ahead of his team's match tomorrow.

Mr McAuley, a defender for the Trawlerboys, wants his club to remember his sister before the Ryman League side's game with Merstham at Crown Meadow.

Ady Gallagher, Lowestoft Town's manager said: 'He has requested a minute's applause in memory of his sister and the club are happy to honour that.'

The former Cambridge United player who was signed by Lowestoft in the summer, also told his boss he wanted to play in the game following the tragedy.

Eastern Daily Press: Rory McAuley for Lowestoft Town diving in for a challenge. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowRory McAuley for Lowestoft Town diving in for a challenge. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow Lowestoft Town FC)

He said: 'Rory has expressed that he wants to just train as normal and to get involved and be available for selection tomorrow. For me that speaks volumes about him as a man.'

Players from the football club made a £200 donation towards a fundraising page that has been set up following Ms McAuley's death to help her family and pay for the cost of the funeral.

The JustGiving page was originally intended to raise £5,000 but by yesterday had broken through the £10,000 mark as hundreds of people pledged their support.

Mr Gallagher said: 'Having spoken to Rory I know that the family are taking a lot of comfort from the kindness people have shown towards them by the messages but also by donating directly towards the fund that's been set up in her memory.

'They've taken a great deal of comfort from that because it shows how much Kerri meant to people.'

In addition to the £200 donated by the club Mr Gallagher said other people at the football club had also given money.

He said: 'It was a spontaneous donation made by the lads because obviously they feel a solidarity for Rory and want him to know they are thinking of him and his family. This has been such a fantastic idea set up by real friends of Kerri's.

'Clearly people feel like they want to help and the family gets a great deal of comfort from the fact that people are thinking of Kerri in such a lovely way.'

Tributes have continued to pour in for Ms McAuley, a mother of two, who has been described as 'beautiful inside and out'.

• To find out more about the JustGiving page log onto https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kendall-jarrett-Laura-gaunt?utm_id=108&utm_term=zedWBXnDe

Provisional date set for murder trial

A man charged with the murder of a Norwich mother of two is expected to stand trial later this year.

Joe Storey, 26, of Murrells Court, St John Street, Norwich, who is believed to be Ms McAuley's former partner, appeared at Norwich Crown Court yesterday via video link from HMP Norwich after being charged with her murder.

Storey, who wore a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his details during the short timetable-setting hearing.

Storey will next appear at crown court on March 21 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

A provisional trial date of June 5 was also pencilled in.

There was no application for bail.

Friends and family of Ms McAuley packed the public gallery as they did on Wednesday at the first court hearing at Norwich Magistrates Court.

But there was no repeat of the emotional scenes which culminated in a scuffle between friends of both sides outside.

There was a heightened police presence with three police officers stood inside court four to ensure there was no trouble.

Judge Stephen Holt praised the 'good behaviour' of the public despite the fact many of them would be feeling upset.

'I'm very grateful for your good behaviour'.