Family of woman whose dismembered body was discovered in a flat say she was a 'kind-hearted and selfless person' as man is charged over her murder

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The family of Tracey Woodford (above), whose body was found dismembered in a flat in Pontypridd, Wales, have described her as 'very kind-hearted' and 'selfless'

A man has been charged in connection with the murder of a woman who was found dismembered at a flat in south Wales.

Christopher May, 50, will appear at Pontypridd Magistrates' Court tomorrow charged in connection with the murder of Tracey Woodford, 47.

Today, her family described her as 'very kind-hearted' and 'selfless'. 

Ms Woodford, from the Pontypridd area, is believed to have been attacked in woodland in Pontypridd on Tuesday before being taken back to the property of a man she is thought to have left a town centre pub with, police said.

The 47-year-old's body was discovered with 'massive injuries' at the flat around 3pm on Friday afternoon, prompting police to launch a murder investigation. 

Her family today paid tribute to Ms Woodford, who was last seen by them around 12.45pm on April 21 in Rhydyfelin.

They said: 'Tracey was liked and loved by all of her family and friends. She was very kind-hearted and a selfless person who would go out of her way to help anyone.

'Tracey was a gentle person who would not hurt anyone and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

'We are thankful for all the support we have received to date.'

They added that they would like everyone to respect their wishes for privacy and leave them alone to grieve.

Ms Woodford was reported missing on Wednesday and her body was discovered after police received information she was with a man at the Skinny Dog pub for around two hours that night. She is believed to have left the premises with him.

A police spokesman said: 'Police officers then visited the suspect's address and, following a search of the property, discovered a body. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder.'

Her body was discovered with 'massive injuries' at the property (above) around 3pm on Friday afternoon, prompting police to launch a murder investigation

An officer stands guard near a trailer covered with blue tarpaulin. Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley described the events surrounding Ms Woodford's death as 'tragic'

She was reported missing on Wednesday and her body was discovered after police received information she was with a man at the Skinny Dog pub (above) for around two hours the night before

After discovering the body police cordoned off an area surrounding nearby Pontypridd Rugby Club's Sardis Road stadium and officers were seen searching the undergrowth.

At least four South Wales Police vans and one helicopter took part in the operation. 

A spokesman for South Wales Police said officers were waiting for the results of further forensic tests to determine the cause of Ms Woodford's death.

'Officers investigating the incident are continuing their appeal for witnesses,' the force spokesman said. 

Ms Woodford is around 5ft 7 inches tall with shoulder length ginger hair. She was wearing a black cardigan at the time she was last seen. 

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley described the events surrounding Ms Woodford's death as 'tragic'.

In a press conference he said: 'The events have had a profound effect on her family and the wider community, especially given the harrowing circumstances of her death. 

'There are well established communities in the South Wales Valleys. I know those communities will rally around Tracey’s family.' 

Police have cordoned off an area surrounding Pontypridd Rugby Club, near to where the body was found

A 50-year-old man was arrested after police found the body at a property in Pontypridd. Above, an officer and a sniffer dog search nearby

He added that police want to speak to anybody who thinks they may have information that can help the investigation. 

They are particularly interested in those who noticed anything suspicious near Andrews Court, Rickards Street, or near the rugby ground.

'No matter how insignificant the information may seem, we would like people to contact us,' he said. 

'We have a team of detectives and the support of specialist resources working on this inquiry and while we understand it will alarm the community, this is an isolated incident and we do have somebody in custody.' 

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Above, an officer near the scene

Neighbours at the flat complex are shocked at the latest updates. One said: 'It is just too shocking to think about. You dread to think about that poor woman and what she went through'

Neighbours at the flat complex are shocked at the latest updates. 

One said: 'It is just too shocking to think about. You dread to think about that poor woman and what she went through.'

Another added: 'Tracey had her problems over the years but she was loved by her family. No-one deserves to die like this. It doesn’t bear thinking about.'

Reverend Michael Gable, a local vicar, also paid tribute.

He said: 'It's a tragic situation. The community will be upset and concerned by this news. We send our thoughts and prayers to those involved.'   

Anyone with information should contact the incident room by calling South Wales Police on 101, quoting reference 140670 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

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