'We desperately need to know why our beautiful Catherine was killed'

The family of former a Bath student found in her burning car have told of the loss of their beautiful, caring and bubbly Catherine.

And they revealed their desperate need to know why she was killed.

Police launched a murder inquiry after Bath Spa University graduate Catherine Wells-Burr was found dead near Illminster in Somerset on Wednesday.

"We have lost our beautiful Catherine; she was full of character, she was caring, loving, and had a bubbly personality," a statement from her mother Jayne, father Phil, sister Leanne, and boyfriend Rafal Nowak said.

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"She had a wonderful sense of humour, and was an amazing, special person.

"Catherine had achieved so much in her short life and had worked so hard to gain her Bachelor of Honours in Business Management, gaining a 1st class degree from Bath Spa University.

"She was so happy starting her life with Rafal and excited about their future together."

The family, who live in Chard, said they had found comfort in the many messages of support they had received.

"We would like to express thanks for all the messages of sympathy and support, we have found some comfort in all the kind and thoughtful words that have been said about Catherine and in knowing how well she was loved.

"We have found this hard to understand why someone would have done this to her.

"There are no words to express how we feel about what has happened to her early on Wednesday morning. We desperately need to know why?"

The statement also thanked officers from Avon and Somerset Police for their support and appealed to anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward.

"We would like to thank Cath and Mark Yeovil (CID), Hilary and Chris (Family Liaison Officers) for their care, support and understanding.

"If anyone has any information, no matter how small, please contact the Police incident room on 101 at Taunton.

"She will be sadly missed.

"Jayne, Phil, Leanne, Rafal and all her family."