Mourners wept at a roadside floral tribute as they paid their respects to a "beautiful angel".

Mother-of-four Donna Eastwood of Almond Road, Stone, tragically died over the weekend.

Her body was discovered when firefighters were called to a vehicle fire in Rowhill Road, Wilmington, at 6.20am on Saturday.

Officers conducted house-to-house inquiries in the street and a large police presence was still there yesterday.

Following the grim discovery a major search was launched with the police helicopter seen flying over the area throughout the day.

People paid tribute to Ms Eastwood’s life outside her house and at the scene of her death.

Some left candles and cards while others stood quiet and still before placing kisses on photos of her with their hands.

Among the messages left by friends and loved ones, was a special framed picture with the passage: “Thank goodness for friends who care about us, and are always there with us in good as well as bad times. Friendship is life’s most special gift.”

Police have not yet released any information surrounding Ms Eastwood’s death, aside from the fact that a 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

At both scenes there was a deep feeling of sadness at the loss, emphasised by the many notes accompanying floral tributes.

One said: “To darling Donna, I'm going to miss you so much, words cant describe how I feel. I will look up at you, you will look down on us. My heart’s with your family. Lots of love sweetheart, never forget you, Leanne xxx.”

While another simply read: “Donna, tragic and unreal, sending our love. Karen and Graham, xx”

Other messages included: “R.I.P Donna, you will be truely missed by a lot of people. Love u hunny, love Brett, Nicki and kids.”

And, "Donna, you were taken way too soon. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel. Will miss you babe. Thinking of you always, love Trina and family.”

Among a number of messages written on a group card was: “To Donna, I love you loads. How could this happen? So sad. You know we will be here for you and you no that, girl. I wish you could have stayed, I will never forget you and you no it.”

It is understood Ms Eastwood was the former partner of Kevin McKinley, who was shot dead last year.

Michaela Sargeant, 25, was convicted of the manslaughter of the 32-year-old outside her home in Overy Street, Dartford. She was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Her partner, 26-year-old Lewis Wickenden, was found guilty of assisting an offender and jailed for five years.

Residents have described Rowhill Road as a quiet place popular with dog walkers, runners and horse riders.

The sheltered, leafy lane is potholed and only really used by people living in its 26 properties, or visitors to one of the two stables nearby.

North Kent Coroner’s office said they could not yet confirm the date of Ms Eastwood’s inquest.

One couple, who asked to remain anonymous, said they were shocked by what had happened and that it is rare to even see one police car in the area.

They also said this murder is not far from where a young girl was murdered 18 years ago.

Anybody with information about the vehicle fire is being asked to contact Kent Police on 101 or anonymously call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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