A fitness instructor who had her roots in Newham has been found dead at her home in Hertfordshire.

The body of mother-of-two Rosie Mayer, 38, was found at a house in Watton-at-Stone near Stevenage alongside her partner Mark Barrett, 48, on the night of January 20.

Local police officers said she died from head and neck injuries. Mark died as a result of hanging. One line of inquiry is that Rosie was killed by her partner before he hung himself.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Langford of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Rosie and Mark’s families at this difficult time.

“Our investigations are still ongoing and we are currently liaising with the coroner.

“I would like to confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.”

A spokesman said: “A line of enquiry at this stage is that one person caused the death of the other, then took their own life.”

In a statement issued through the police, Rosie’s family said: “Rosie was a truly inspirational and influential person who was almost always happy and smiling.

“She was devoted to her family and in particular her children. Rosie took great care in ensuring their lives were enriched as they were growing up. She only wanted the best for them.

“Rosie touched so many people’s lives and had so many friends.

“Both her friends and her family find it unimaginable that she will no longer be with the people she loved and those who loved her.”

Denise Brown-Sackey, Principal and Chief Executive at Newham College of Further Education, said: “We at Newham College are saddened to learn of Rosie’s death. It is always our hope and expectation that our learners go on to achieve their career ambitions, Rosie was well thought of by her teachers whilst she studied at College and her ambitions were realisable, her contribution to the world has been cut short by her untimely death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Rosie’s family and friends.”

Rosie was a well known fitness and Pilates instructor who trained as an electronic engineer at Newham College because she wanted a solid footing on which to build her life. While on the course she worked on the Channel Tunnel during a placement.

She grew up in Stratford and also became well known on the music scene as a singer, songwriter and performer with her band Sweet Sister.