NEIGHBOURS and friends have paid tribute to a 47-year-old Chorley woman who was discovered dead at her home.

The body of Susan Hodgson was found at the top of the staircase in her semi-detached home in Bowland Avenue, Chorley, after police were alerted by concerned neighbours.

A forensic investigation was launched but a post-mortem later concluded Miss Hodgson, 47, died of natural causes.

Floral tributes were left on the doorstep by friends and family.

One read: "Sue, may you rest in peace, good night, God bless, Sioux". A police spokesperson said: "We were called out on the evening of Friday, July 23, at around 9pm. An officer climbed in through a small window and discovered the body.

"Our officers were on the scene until around midday on Saturday. As is the case with all sudden deaths, an immediate investigation was launched."

Miss Hodgson lived alone and leaves a son, Mark, and sister, Julie. She was last seen on Wednesday, July 21.

Neighbours said she was a pleasant woman and had lived in the street for more than 25 years.

One who did not wish to be named said: "I liked her. She brought her son up here, so knows quite a few of the neighbours. Her death is very sad."

Another said: "She was always very polite with me.

"I think it is so tragic she died in there on her own.