by Jamie Bullen

A woman found dead in her garden yesterday afternoon had suffered fatal burns, it has emerged.

The body of Jennifer Harries was discovered at her home in Chartham Hatch, near Canterbury, at 4.40pm.

Firefighters were called to the detached house after the discovery and the death is now being investigated by police, who are treating it as "unexplained".

Mrs Harries’ death has shocked people in the village, where she was described as a "pillar of the community".

In 2007 she co-wrote a book called The History of the Chartham Hatch Village Hall to Village School.

She also served as a treasurer of the village hall and was a member of the Chartham Chameleons drama group and the village gardening club.

She has been described by friends as a "lovely lady" who was very active in the Chartham Hatch community.

They said she played an active role in the village for more than 25 years but had suffered from illness in recent years.

House where Mrs Harries' body was discovered on Sunday

Neighbours Mike and Barbara Armstrong said: "She was a lovely lady who was very active in the community. It has been very sad.

"She published a book on the history of Chartham Hatch and served as a treasurer on the village hall for over 25 years.

"She was also involved with the Chartham Archives and tried to get people interested in history

"She was a private person, very knowledgeable, but her and her husband have been so good to us since we have been here.

"If there was anything we needed then they would do it.

"They were also members of the Kent Wildlife Trust and just loved the environment."

Mrs Harries' body has yet to be formally identified.

She is survived by her husband William and daughter Josie. The family did not wish to comment when approached.