Pianist Natalia Strelchenko murdered

The family of an international concert pianist who was murdered at her home have paid tribute to her.

Natalia Strelchenko, 38, the mother of young children, suffered head injuries in an attack at her home in Newton Heath, Manchester.

Police and paramedics were called at 12.45am on Sunday and attempted to revive her at the scene but she died a short time later.

Man arrested

A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Today the family of the victim, who was of Russian origin and also used the name Natalia Strelle, paid tribute to her.

In a statement they said: "Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much-loved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed."

A Home Office post-mortem examination has been carried out and found that Ms Strelchenko died from head and neck injuries.

'Tragic incident'

Detective Superintendent Phil Reade, from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: "This is a tragic incident in which a talented young lady has lost her life.

"Natalia's family, many of whom live outside the UK, are understandably beside themselves at their loss and we are doing everything we can at this time to support them.

"We are determined to find out exactly what has led to Natalia being taken from them in this way.

"We have a team of detectives investigating this murder and are asking for anyone with information that may assist our inquiries to please get in touch."

Performed at Carnegie Hall

Ms Strelchenko was considered to be a renowned solo pianist of international calibre who made her debut at the age of 12 with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.

She has performed at New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Wigmore Hall, eliciting effusive reviews from the classical music press.

She had been artist in residence at Leeds College of Art and a research fellow at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

Neighbours say she had been living in Manchester for around two years after moving from Norway but the family were often away from home on tour playing concerts, according to local reports.

Anybody with information should contact GMP's Major Incident Team on 0161 856 9283 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.