The family of a mother and daughter shot to death have paid tribute to two "beautiful and people".

Michelle Whitbread, 32, and her mother Heather, 53, were fatally wounded after they were shot in their home in Bexhill Road, St Leonards on Friday evening .

Their family said: "Heather and Michelle were both beautiful people that filled our family with laughter. They were both special, generous and kind people who loved life, but most of all their family. They will both be sorely missed leaving a gap that can never be filled. We now just wish to be left to grieve in private as a family."

Officers responded immediately to a report of the shooting at 7.43pm. Firearms officers were able to lead two other women, including one who was pregnant, from the house to safety and they were taken to hospital. Both were uninjured but suffering from shock.

A 35-year-old man who was known to the victims was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody where he remains. A firearm has been recovered.