THE heartbroken family of a gran-of-four who was found dead alongside her partner have paid tribute to her.

Mum-of-three Michelle Slater, 44 was found dead on Friday, May 8 alongside her boyfriend Jason Bentham at her home on Parbold Avenue in Blackbrook.

Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances and the family have called their deaths, "a tragic and sudden accident."

Michelle's daughter-in-law Ashley Slater, 25, from Moss Bank has paid tribute to her.

She said: "Michelle's death was a huge shock to the family and we still have not really processed it.

"I have three children and the oldest who is seven was particularly close to her, so it will be really hard for us all, and sad that the younger ones won't remember her.

"Michelle was a loving grandma, who was always kind and welcoming and very unique but in the nicest and best possible way.

"She was a very big part of the family and was also very close to her two dogs Katie and Nell.

"It is so hard to think that she is not here any more.

"We first found out they had died after reading it on the St Helens Star, the police had not contacted us yet at that point and from that moment on it has been about finding answers really.

"But from what we understand it is down to a tragic and sudden accident and we will have to wait for toxicology tests to be done to confirm everything.

"It's very hard, but we will never forget Michelle. She was a kind and loving person and she will be missed."

Following the tragedy on Friday, the force said: "At around 2pm, officers were called to Parbold Avenue to reports of a man and woman being found.

"Paramedics attended and both were confirmed as deceased at the scene. Forensic, CCTV and house-to-house enquiries are ongoing as detectives look to confirm the man and woman’s identities and establish the circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ring 101 with reference 20000265600, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.