TRIBUTES have been paid this week to a Trowbridge charity worker brutally murdered in India six months after starting a new life in the country.

Denise Higgins, 52 formerly of Norman Close, Chippenham, had worked for Trowbridge-based Splitz, which helps disadvantaged families in north and west Wiltshire, for 18 years, before moving to Goa in October.

She was found stabbed to death at her rented bungalow in the city of Margao on Friday.

A police spokesman said she had been killed with her own kitchen knife after a row with an Indian man on Thursday night.

Mrs Higgins, a widow, leaves a son and daughter.

Her friend Fran Lewis, who is chief executive of Splitz, based in Duke Street, said news of Mrs Higgins' death had come as a huge shock to everyone at the charity.

She described her as a kind and caring woman with a bubbly personality who was loved by both colleagues and those supported by the charity and who always had a smile on her face.

"This news has devastated all of us who knew her and loved her," said Mrs Lewis.

"The team at Splitz are much like a family and even though Denise had retired at the end of last year, we very much feel she is still a part of us.

"Our thoughts are with her son and daughter and we trust they will be comforted by knowing how much she was loved.

"It may also comfort them to remember that she was a woman with a strong and abiding Christian faith."

Paul Richards, who has been supporting Splitz since his sister Hayley was murdered in 2005, said he was shocked by the news.

"I think it's disgusting what happened. Our family's thoughts are with her family. She was a lovely lady. I've had dealings with them all in Splitz and they do such a marvellous job," he said.

"It was a horrible shock to hear what happened especially as it had similarities with what happened to Hayley."

Mrs Higgins joined the charity as a volunteer in 1989 and two years later became a paid member of staff.

She specialised in helping those affected by domestic violence and one of her favourite projects was a Making Changes workshops, which enabled groups of women to gather together to explore personal issues.

Several people who have been helped by Splitz and Mrs Higgins have left messages of condolence on the Wiltshire Times website.

One said she could not have coped without Mrs Higgins' kindness and support.

"She has made me the person I am today and I feel truly honoured and blessed to have known Denise."

Another wrote: "Denise was a wonderful giving person. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her."

Mrs Lewis said the charity will set up a restricted fund so any donations in memory of Mrs Higgins will go towards furthering the charity's work in tackling domestic violence.

She is also setting up a tribute for Mrs Higgins' family and anyone with a story about her which they would like to share should send it to Splitz at 29, Duke Street, Trowbridge.

Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac where Mrs Higgins used to live have also spoken of their shock after hearing the news and described her as a quiet and friendly woman.

Police in India have arrested a 28-year-old waiter called Anand Kambli. They have ruled out any sexual motive for the attack.

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