THE devastated family of Stephanie Bellinger and her baby daughter Lili this morning told of the "huge hole in their lives" following their murders.

In a joint statement released through police, Stephanie's grieving mum and sister said: "Stephanie was a fun loving free spirit who was always happy and smiling. Stephanie was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and mother.

"Lili was a bouncing, happy little baby who was a delight to be with - a little chatterbox who brought joy to our lives.

"There are no words to describe how we as a family are all feeling.

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"We now have a huge hole in our lives which we have to try and come to terms with. We ask that as a family we all be given our privacy at this upsetting time."

The family, said to be "completely destroyed" by the vicious murders, are understood to have spent the weekend being comforted by close relatives.

It's thought one of her parents raised the alarm when they called at the house 24-year-old Stephanie has shared with Marsh in Myrtle Avenue, Totton, for the past 18 months.

The couple had two children - a two-year-old son who cannot be named for legal reasons and their ten-month-old daughter Lili.

Marsh remains at large and the manhunt to find him continues. Members of the public are being asked not to approach him as he is dangerous and thought to be carrying a knife.

He has mental health problems and its not known if he is carrying his medication.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is being asked to call 999 while witnesses with information should contact the Operation Coachman incident room at Hulse Road on 0845 045 4545.