A woman who was beheaded in Tenerife was originally from Norwich, it emerged today.

Jennifer Mills-Westley, a retired Norfolk County Council road safety officer, was brutally killed whilst holidaying on the island.

Her family paid tribute to her and said they were devastated by her death.

Her daughter Sarah said: 'Mum retired a number of years ago and was fully enjoying her retirement travelling between Tenerife and France where she spent time visiting her daughter and grandchildren, and her other daughter in Norfolk.

'She was full of life, generous of heart, would do anything for anyone.

'We now have to find a way of living without her love and light and we would ask at this difficult time for some privacy as we try to come to terms with our loss.'

The 60-year-old was originally from Norwich, Norfolk, before retiring from her job as a road safety officer with Norfolk County Council and leaving the UK.

A spokesman from Norfolk County Council said: Our deepest sympathies go to Jenny's family and friends following this terrible news.

'Jenny was a popular and well respected member of staff, who during her time with Norfolk County Council worked as a Road Safety Officer - working with many schools and children to teach cycling training and make Norfolk's roads safer.'

She had two daughters and five grandchildren.

She died horrifically yesterday when a man attacked her in the Valdes shopping centre on Avenida Juan Carlos in Los Cristianos.

Witnesses spoke of their horror and disbelief after she was stabbed and decapitated in a supermarket.

The suspect was alleged to have carried Ms Mills-Westley's head outside and was reportedly saying 'God is on earth''.

The suspect, who was arrested. was named in reports as Deyan Valentinov D - with Spanish police only providing the first initial of his surname.

He is believed to be 28 and a homeless Bulgarian with a police record.

Police are investigating the man's movements leading up to the killing and studying CCTV and witness statements to establish precisely what happened.

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed that consular assistance was being given to her family and offered condolences to them.

Consular officials in Tenerife are working with local authorities, they said.

Did you know Jennifer Mills-Westley? Contact reporter Annabelle Dickson on 01603 772426 or e-mail annabelle.dickson@archant.co.uk