Relatives and friends of murdered Jennifer Kiely spoke today of the loss of a "generous and kind" mother.

In a statement issued through Sussex Police, her mother said: "We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Jennifer."

The family, both in South London and Ireland, asked the media to allow them time to come to terms with their loss.

Friends at a hostel in Eastbourne where she once stayed said they were devastated.

One said: "She was lovely and would always help people out with a couple of quid.

"She was generous and had lots of friends."

Relatives had little or no contact with Ms Kiely in the weeks before last weekend when she was raped, stabbed 16 times and set on fire on Eastbourne seafront.

It is understood she walked out of her South London home last year, leaving behind her three young children.

Police last night continued to question a 26-year-old man, originally from Eastern Europe and living recently in Eastbourne, in connection with the murder.

Detectives, meanwhile, were piecing together the victim's last movements.

Ms Kiely had friends living in Eastbourne and stayed at a number of homes and shelters in the town.

On Friday night, the eve of her murder, she left her digs in the town centre and, according to the homeowner, "was alone and seemed in good spirits."

Police believe Ms Kiely, 35, may have met her killer in a pub and that he followed her out or they left together.

After raping and killing Ms Kiely, he built a bonfire in a thatched shelter at Holywell, east of Beachy Head, and burned the body to destroy evidence.

The body, discovered by council litter pickers in the early hours of Saturday, was so badly burnt police had to rely on dental records to identify her.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday in Kent and police may ask magistrates today for authority to continue holding him.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell, heading the murder hunt, said: "We are remaining open-minded but this man is certainly of interest to our inquiry.

"If anyone has any information which they feel may help, please contact us."

Police were waiting for results of DNA tests on samples taken from Ms Kiely's body .

Dozens of police were working on the case and they renewed appeals to anyone in the area at the time of the murder to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.