Tributes paid to murder victim India Chipchase

Updated

The rugby player boyfriend of a young woman murdered after disappearing in the early hours of Saturday has dedicated his career to her.

India Chipchase, 20, was last seen alive in Bridge Street, Northampton, on Saturday morning.

Enquiries over her disappearance led officers to a property in Stanley Road, St James, where the body of a woman was found.

Ms Chipchase's boyfriend, Evaan Reihana, a New Zealander who is said to play for Bordeaux Begles in France, paid tribute to her in a post on Instagram.

Writing alongside a picture of Ms Chipchase he said: "I honestly can't believe to think even now that you have left us in that way miss India eve Chipchase !!"

He said hers would be "the name on my strap" that would bring him luck "in the game we love".

Ms Chipchase was said to be a sports enthusiast and a keen fan of her local rugby club, the Northampton Saints.

Former England star Ben Cohen, who played for the club as a youngster, tweeted: "So sad and devastating and on our doorstep. Thoughts go out to her family."

Ms Chipchase was a student at Northampton College between Sept 2013 and June 2014 where she took a Diploma in Health and Social Care.

For her studies she worked with children and the elderly, winning praise from her supervisors for her teamwork, initiative and sensitivity.

Principal Pat Brennan-Barrett said: "We are devastated to hear of the death of our former student India Chipchase. India was an extremely popular, hard-working student during her time at Northampton College, where she studied Health & Social Care. Our thoughts go out to all her friends and family at this time."

Her former lecturer, Jo Forester, said: "Within college she was a well-liked member of her group by both staff and students for her caring nature and sense of humour. She was a hardworking, intelligent young lady who possessed the maturity to complete all the targets she set herself regarding her college work and placement experiences."

Northamptonshire Police said a 51-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in custody.

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