A tattoo artist thought to have been killed by her partner in a suspected murder-suicide is remembered as a "pure, perfect soul".

Ramona Stoia, 35, tragically died yesterday evening along with Catalin Micu at GothInk Studio in Canterbury, which the couple ran together.

Police are understood to be treating the incident as a murder-suicide carried out by Catalin, 54.

The tragedy has sparked a huge outpouring of grief and left the Canterbury community reeling.

Ramona, who has a young son with Catalin, has been described as "absolutely lovely" - a talented, popular tattoo artist with a huge following.

"Ramona was a pure, perfect soul" said one woman, while another said: "She was an absolute angel. One of the loveliest souls I’ve ever met."

Close friend Ann Sinden said: "She was the warmest, kindest, most generous person ever.

"We are devastated for her, her family and their son. But also for Cat's family as they aren't to blame for this. So so sad and so many lives have been ruined.

"Ramona was amazing. She was kind and generous and had the biggest heart. Our hearts go out to every that knew and loved her."

Regular customer Erica Terry-Rose said she is "absolutely devastated" by the tragedy.

"It is going to take some time to process this," she wrote on social media. "They have always been so kind and amazing to me. I'm absolutely shaken by the news. I'm heartbroken.

"I feel so much for their little boy. It's such a huge tragedy for the local gothic and tattoo scene."

She added that Catalin, known at Cat, had begun having difficulty with his eyesight, "which would have been such a stress for his ability to tattoo".

Another customer said: "Catalin has done all six of my tattoos. His wife Ramona was absolutely lovely.

"I’ll never forget when I was in there for a six-hour tattoo and Ramona ran over and got me a McDonald’s, always so friendly, giving out sweets so I could sit out a full seven-hour tattoo.

"My heart goes out to their son!"

Armed police were called to the tattoo parlour at about 5.20pm yesterday, with the city's ring-road shut off as patrol cars and ambulances lined Lower Bridge Street.

Kent Police initially reported that two people had been found injured, before confirming this morning that a 54-year-old man and 35-year-old woman had died at the scene.

The circumstances of their deaths are still being investigated, but police say they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.

Only Ramona's death is being treated as suspicious, while police say Catalin's is not.

Ali Gun, owner of Cousins Pool and Snooker Lounge which is located above the tattoo parlour, recalled the moment police first arrived at the crime scene last night.

He had been in the street outside when he noticed a police van and car pull up outside GothInk.

"The (police officers) came out of the car, ran inside, and then a girl came out shaking, very shocked," said Mr Gun.

"We heard the police inside saying 'first aid, first aid, first aid', and we didn't really want to look what's happened inside - something terrible.

"I've never seen anything like this in my life. It's shocking, for this to happen on our street."

Pictures posted on Instagram show Catalin and Ramona had worked together at GothInk Studio since at least 2016.

The tattoo artists were Romanian nationals who lived in Tunstall Road, Canterbury - a small crescent on the city's Hales Place Estate.

Today, tarpaulin sheets remain covering the front of the tattoo parlour, while a patrol car is stationed outside.

Cones had also been used to reduce a small section of Lower Bridge Street to a single lane.

Two other tattoo artists from GothInk have shared a message on Instagram warning customers not to arrive for appointments.

It read: "All clients with appointments over the next few days. Please do not come to the shop. All appointments are postponed."

A police spokesman said: "The next of kin of both parties have been informed and inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing with a view to providing a full report to the coroner."

Anyone who has any concerns or information regarding the incident is asked to contact the police via the Kent Police website or by calling 101, quoting 11-0995 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.