Tributes paid to 'amazing' British mum killed in home invasion in Australia
A British expat mum who was stabbed to death in her home in Australia has been described as “the best friend a girl could have”.
Emma Lovell, 41, died after she and husband Lee, 43, were stabbed during a home invasion in Queensland, on Boxing Day.
Two 17-year-old men have each been charged with one count of murder, attempted murder and entering a dwelling with intent in company.
Christina Lofthouse, 41, Emma's best friend of 33 years, has paid tribute to her describing her as “ amazing”.
The Lovells moved from Suffolk to Australia with their two daughters 11 years ago and Christina had planned to visit them in Australia next year.
Christina said: "She was the first person I messaged in the morning and the last person I spoke to at night,”
"I'm utterly heartbroken that my best friend is gone and I don't get to speak to her again, hug her again, laugh with her and cry with her.
"Her poor daughters, husband, mum, brother and sister. As a family we are heartbroken to lose the best friend a girl could have. We had a friendship like no other."
Queensland Police said Emma and her husband Lee, were both stabbed after two intruders broke into their home and a “scuffle” broke out on the front porch.
Lee has been released from hospital after being treated for a non-life threatening stab wound.
Christina said she and Emma were “always together in spirit” despite the distance between them.
She added: "She truly had a heart of gold and helped me and my family out in some of our darkest days."
Martyn McIntee, 42, was another one of Emma's close friends and also planned to visit her in Queensland in February.
He said: "Emma was the most amazing person in the world. We were inseparable in high school.
He added: "I will miss her so much. I can't even imagine the pain her mum, brothers, Lee and their girls are going through."
