The family and employers of a Buckhurst Hill woman who was found dead on Christmas Eve have paid tribute to the “much loved and respected” young teacher.

The body of Katie Locke, 23, was discovered in a room at the four star Theobalds Park Hotel in Waltham Cross on December 24.

Trainee lawyer Carl Langdell, 26, from the Hertfordshire town, has been charged with her murder and is expected to appear in court later this week.

“We are distraught, in shock and totally devastated,” said the family of Miss Locke.

“There was not a bad bone in Katie’s body.

“Katie worked hard and loved her job as a teacher.

“In what little spare time she had she enjoyed sports.

“We now feel like our future has been stolen from us.”

Miss Locke reportedly graduated from the University of Southampton and taught history and politics at Cardinal Pole, a Roman Catholic secondary school in Hackney.

Paying tribute, head teacher Jane Heffernan said: “It is with deep regret that I inform you of the sad loss of Katie Locke on Christmas Eve.

“Katie was an outstanding practitioner, a wonderful form tutor and a much loved and respected member of the school community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

“May she rest in peace.”

The Daily Mail has reported that Langdell and Miss Locke met for the first time on December 23, and that they checked in together just hours before she died.

The report adds that police said the pair had talked previously.

However, a spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Constabulary refused to comment when contacted.