Tributes to tragic mother who thought she'd found love

The 25-year-old sent messages to friends telling them that her new boyfriend was 'everything I want in a man' just weeks before she was found murdered along with her seven-month-old son Harrison, also known as Harry.

A man, believed to be the murder victim's boyfriend, was arrested in Oldbury in connection with the murder on Sunday but he is currently deemed unfit to plead.

Post mortems were taking place yesterday to establish how the pair died.

It has emerged that smitten Yvonne texted pal Cara Merricks on April 12 this year describing her new boyfriend as 'amazing'.

Care home manager Yvonne had started seeing her new partner less than two months ago after splitting from Harry's father, Ryan Wotton.

In her text she wrote: "He is amazing everything that I want and need in a man lol sounds so soppy if you know me lol x"

Ms Merricks paid tribute to her friend, saying, "She was such a beautiful woman, hard working and an amazing mother.

"She had a bright, amazing future ahead of her. I'm going to miss her so much. You're with your dad and grandad in heaven now. Sleep tight angels, love you always."

It has also emerged Yvonne worked at a care home for vulnerable adults in the Moseley area of Birmingham.

She had been manager at the Oak View branch of Aspects Care Ltd, which sits just a mile-and-a-half from her home, for three years.

Speaking at the home, which provides accommodation for adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems, director Paul Graham said: "I can confirm that she worked here.

"She was a manager. She worked for us for three years and had been with the company that owned it before for three years so has been here six years.

"She was an extremely good manager and potentially had a very good career ahead of her.

"She was very dedicated to what she did and very diligent in her work.

"People are in shock because you never expect it to happen on your own doorstep. Staff are upset but we have a service to provide so work continues as normal."

The 28-year-old suspect was arrested in Queensway, Oldbury, at around 5.15pm on Sunday.

Forensic teams were yesterday still investigating at the terraced property where Yvonne lived with Harry and daughter Jessica, aged nine.

Neighbours were still coming to terms with the tragedy on their doorsteps. Builder Mike Partridge, 57, described her as 'bright and well-mannered' and a 'superb mum'.

Susan Butler, 62, an accounts assistant who has lived on the road for six years, said: "I only knew Yvonne to say 'hello' to, she seemed a very quiet lady. She was very pretty and always holding the baby.

"I'm just shocked."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'I heard from people who had talked to the police that Yvonne and Harry were killed on Friday and only found by police when someone rang to say they couldn't get through to her on the phone.

"Her brother arrived at the house earlier and was in floods of tears. It is so sad, she was a lovely, warm person and a great mum, she loved her kids.

"We chatted when I saw her taking her kids out and I never had any impression she had any problems at home. She just seemed like a normal, happy mum."

Superintendent Jo Chilton, from West Midlands CID, said: "This is a terrible crime and my thoughts are with the family of the victims. We have a man in custody and are not looking for anyone else, but I am keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone who may have seen anything which could assist our investigation."

Superintendent Andy Shipman, from Birmingham South local policing unit, said: "The awful murders will send shockwaves through the community. My thoughts are with the family of those involved.

"I want to reassure the community that we believe there is no ongoing threat to the public."

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because of previous contact between the police and the suspect. A serious case review and a domestic homicide review are expected to take place in due course, as is routine practice when a child dies in these circumstances, officers said.

A police spokesman added: "Due to previous contact between police and the person in custody, West Midlands Police has informed the Independent Police Complaints Commission who will look into any police involvement in due course."