THE family of a woman found dead at a Southampton hostel have led tributes to her.

As officers were last night charging a man with the murder of Belinda Dalby, her younger sister spoke to the Daily Echo about their loss.

Jamie Nicholson, 30, of Edevale Road, is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court this morning to face the charge.

Describing Belinda as a “a beautiful sister”, Shannon Dalby said: “She was really outgoing and was the life and soul.

“She was bubbly and everyone knew her. She was popular, would speak to everyone and get along with anyone.”

Shannon, 20, said her sister filled her with pride and that she would cherish the memories she had of her.

She added: “Life took us apart but our love stayed the same.”

A former Alderman Quilley pupil, Belinda grew-up in the Boyatt Wood area of Eastleigh but had more recently been living in Southampton.

She had been staying at Jordan House in Millbrook Road East for a couple of months, having moved around a number of times in recent years.

Belinda leaves behind four siblings – Shannon, Christopher, Madeleine and Marc, dad and step-mum Grant and Theresa Barrass, and grandmother Ruth Murry, who all still live in the Eastleigh area, as well as mum Sandy Ablewhite, who lives in Brighton.

They were told of Belinda’s death in the hours following the discovery of her body at 6.25pm on Friday night and an arrest was made the same evening.

Confirming that detectives had charged a man with murder, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Darren Rawlings said: “I’d like to thank members of the public for their assistance with the investigation so far.

"The team continues to appeal for further information from anyone who knew the victim or defendant.

“We’re also seeking details of anything suspicious that may have been seen or heard by people in the Millbrook Road East area on Thursday or Friday.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the Hampshire Major Investigation Team (HMIT) at Southampton Central police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Match.