Family and friends of India Chipchase pay tribute as police question murder suspect

Miss Chipchase went missing in the early hours of Saturday morning after a night out in Northampton. Last night police confirmed that a body had been found at a home in Stanley Road, St James, and that a 51-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The news of her tragic death was confirmed by her brother, Harry, posting on Facebook that Miss Chipchase had passed away.

Later last night, Mr Chipchase published a further tribute on Twitter: “I miss you my little angel @IndiaChipchase. you’ll always remain the best big sister I ever had and always hold a place deep in my heart.”

He added: “Truly amazed by the amount of support me and my family are receiving. Thank you all so much.”

Miss Chipchase’s sister, Pia, posted a message on the Chronicle & Echo’s Facebook page which read: “Rip my beautiful sister. I’m going to make you proud.”

Hundreds of messages have been posted on social media by friends, colleagues and people living in Northampton expressing their sadness at the tragic news.

One read: “Rest in peace @IndiaChipchase you were a fantastic friend and loving person! Thoughts are with you and your family.”

Another added: Rest in peace @IndiaChipchase, you will forever be in our hearts, gone far too soon. Thoughts with your family.”

Another said: “RIP my beautiful @IndiaChipchase, love to all of the fmaily with all my heart.”

And another commented: “Such a beautiful and friendly girl - my thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time.”

Staff at Northampton College have also paid tribute to Miss Chipchase.

The 20-year-old attended Northampton College between September 2013 and June 2014 and completed a diploma in health and social care.

Principal Pat Brennan-Barrett said: “We are devastated to hear of the death of our former student India Chipchase.

India was an extremely popular, hard-working student during her time at Northampton College, where she studied health and social Care. Our thoughts go out to all her friends and family at this time.”

“During her time at college she attended two placements, one in an elderly care setting and one in a childcare setting.

“India received praise from her placement supervisors for her ability to work within a team, her use of initiative and for the sensitive way she interacted with the clients and children.”

India’s former lecturer, Jo Forester, added: “Within college she was a well-liked member of her group by both staff and students for her caring nature and sense of humour.

“She was a hardworking, intelligent young lady who possessed the maturity to complete all the targets she set herself regarding her college work and placement experiences.”

Last night a spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “Enquiries taking place as part of the search for India Chipchase, 20, led officers to the property in Stanley Road, St James, where the body of a woman was found.

“Formal identification has yet to take place but India’s family have been informed of the discovery.

“A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody at the Criminal Justice Centre.

“A post mortem examination is expected to take place at Leicester Royal Infirmary tomorrow, Monday, 1 February.”

Man arrested on suspicion of murder by police investigating Northampton woman’s disappearance

Workmates in Northampton pay tribute to ‘little smile machine’ India Chipchase

Family statement says missing 20-year-old woman from Northampton has passed away