Mother leads tributes to Donegal woman killed in India

By Deborah McAleese, Press Association

The mother of Danielle McLaughlin, who has been found dead in a Goa tourist resort, has paid tribute to her daughter saying she will be "sadly missed".

Ms McLaughlin, 28, was discovered in Canacona, a popular tourist area in the south of the Indian state.

In a written statement issued by a close friend on behalf of the family in Buncrana, Co Donegal, Andrea Brannigan said: "The family would like to express our thanks to all who have got in touch since receiving this awful news.

"As you can expect we are finding it very difficult at this trying time.

"We want to thank the Irish and British consulates, along with Colin from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and many friends who have assisted at this time. Danielle will be sadly missed by us all."

It's understood a 23 year old man has confessed to the killing. 

Danielle was found naked on the beach after suffering major head injuries. 

A Post mortem is due to be conducted on her remains to determine the cause of death, but will also establish if the former Liverpool student was sexually assaulted. 

Suresh Velip, head constable at Goa Police, said a 24-year-old Indian man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Asked about details around the case, he told the Press Association: "It is still under investigation."

Mr Velip said Ms McLaughlin's body was found in a remote area near Deobagh Beach on Tuesday morning.