The family of a woman found dead in a flat in Southbourough have paid tribute to a "kind and loving person".

Keith Solly, of Lady's Gift Road, was arrested after 58-year-old local woman Yvonne Tapp was discovered dead at his flat on Friday afternoon.

The 62-year-old was charged with murder but failed to appear at court yesterday.

In a statement, Yvonne's family said: "Yvonne was a kind, loving person, who was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

"All close family members wish to grieve in private."

Solly failed to appear before Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court yesterday.

His solicitor, Dennis Clarke, said he was not at the court due to mental health issues.

He told magistrates his client would not be able to understand the proceedings, and the case was adjourned to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on or before December 11.

It comes after officers were called to the Southborough house at 1.30pm on Friday following a report of concern for a person's welfare.

Mrs Tapp's body was found and Solly was arrested later that evening.

He was questioned by police and charged yesterday morning with murder.

Following the discovery of Mrs Tapp's body, detectives and forensics teams remained at the house throughout the day to gather evidence and make enquiries.

Next-door neighbour Lindsay Lawes, 32, said: "This is completely unexpected. You hear of things like this happening but you don't expect it on your doorstep.It is surreal.

"I never spoke to the lady who lives there and only saw her a few times but occasionally would see her walking her little dog.

"I feel sorry for the people who have just moved into the flat upstairs."

Another neighbour, Adrian Hallett, 31, returned home from work to see police swarming around the house and the road cordoned off.

He said: "I got home at about 6.30pm and the road was blocked off and there were police and men in white suits everywhere.

"It's very shocking. A few people wanted to move before all this but they'll have no chance now."

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