A 36-year-old from Dawlish has been charged with the murder of Sophie McDonald in the town.

James Luke McDonald, 36, remains in custody to appear at Exeter Magistrates Court tomorrow (Saturday 31st January).

Police were called at around 6.40pm on Wednesday, January 28 following reports of a missing person, and an extensive search was undertaken by specialist officers and volunteer search and rescue groups.

Sophie’s body was later discovered at a property in Iddesleigh Terrace, Dawlish at around 3am, Thursday January 29.

The family of Sophie said: “The family have released a photo of a loving mum, daughter, sister and friend. The family have requested that at this time they would like to be left in peace, to come to terms with events and grieve.”