A GRIEF-stricken man has paid tribute to his “lovely” wife and mum-of-five, who was found dead near her home in Parr on Saturday.

The body of Angela Edwards, 38, from Cromdale Grove, was discovered in undergrowth near Sutton Brook on Saturday afternoon.

She had been reported missing by family who had not seen her since 6pm on Thursday and were concerned as it was out of character for her to disappear.

A post mortem has been carried out but the circumstances of how she came to be found in the undergrowth are still being investigated by Merseyside Police.

Husband Stephen Edwards, Angela’s children and other members of the family are heartbroken.

Stephen, who got to know Angela through living in the same neighbourhood, said: “I’m still in shock and keep expecting to see her walk around the corner.

“Every time I look out of the window, I can see the spot where she was found.

“It’s devastating. I love her to bits and I’ll never, ever stop missing her. She was a lovely person, very kind and giving.”

Angela had four daughters, a son and two grandchildren. Stephen said she had been looking forward to the christening of her grandchildren Leighton and Amelia Rose, which was set to take place in October.

He said he and Angela had married six years ago and had a wonderful wedding that he’ll never forget.

Stephen said: “Her life revolved around the children. She adored her children, and was great with kids.

“Our wedding was one of those happy days that people still talk about. We were both so happy.”

At about 3pm on Saturday, officers searching the local area found the body and cordoned off the area to allow forensic tests, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, which are ongoing.

Angela’s friend Juliet Usher, 50, who lives in the neighbourhood, said: “We’d been friends for about three years. I can’t believe this has happened.

“The last time she was in my house, she was so happy. We had a long chat and a good laugh.

"She was very kind, would help anybody and all the local kids loved playing with her. I can’t believe it.”

Floral tributes have been left at the spot where Angela was found with messages from loved ones. including ‘Another person so special gone too soon, God needed another angel’ and You will always be in my thoughts’.

Detectives from Merseyside Police are treating the death as unexplained. A Home Office post mortem examination has been performed. Results are being withheld pending a toxicology report.

anyone with information that could help the police investigation is asked to call 0151 777 6811 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.