Tributes have been paid to a Suffolk-born mother-of-two with a 'heart of gold' who was murdered in her home in Australia.

Emma Lovell, 41, died as a result of a fatal stab wound in her home in Queensland, Australia on Boxing Day.

Her best friend of 33 years, Christina Lofthouse, 41, first met Mrs Lovell at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge.

Ipswich Star: Christina Lofthouse (left) with her best friend Emma Lovell (middle) and Emma's husband Lee Lovell (right).Christina Lofthouse (left) with her best friend Emma Lovell (middle) and Emma's husband Lee Lovell (right). (Image: Christina Lofthouse)

"I only spoke with her yesterday morning," said Ms Lofthouse.

"This horrible and senseless crime has left a massive hole in our lives."

Ms Lofthouse added: "She was the first person I messaged in the morning and the last person I spoke to at night.

"We had a friendship like no other."

Ipswich Star: Christina Lofthouse and Emma Lovell were best friends for 33 years.Christina Lofthouse and Emma Lovell were best friends for 33 years. (Image: Christina Lofthouse)

11 years ago, Mrs Lovell, her husband Lee and their two daughters moved from Suffolk to North Lakes in Queensland, Australia.

Ms Lofthouse's daughter was also very close with one of Mrs Lovell's daughters, having been born only a few weeks apart.

"Even though we were 10,000 miles away, we were always together in spirit," Ms Lofthouse added.

"She truly had a heart of gold and helped me and my family out in some of our darkest days."

Ms Lofthouse and her family had plans to visit Mrs Lovell early next year.

Ipswich Star: Emma Lovell moved to Australia with her husband and two daughters 11 years ago.Emma Lovell moved to Australia with her husband and two daughters 11 years ago. (Image: Christina Lofthouse)

She said she will never forget her "beautiful smile" and how lovingly she doted upon her family.

Martyn McIntee, 42, was another of her close friends, having attended Kesgrave High School together.

He said: "Emma was the most amazing person in the world. We were inseparable in high school.

"When we were younger, we had a deal that if we weren't married before we hit 40, we would marry each other."

Mr McIntee had also planned on visiting the family's Queensland home in February next year.

"I will miss her so much," he added.

"I can't even imagine the pain her mum, brothers, Lee and their girls are going through."