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The family of a New Zealand woman found slain at her London workplace say they are living "a family's worst nightmare".
Catherine Marlow, from Hawke's Bay, was found dead on Saturday in the offices of Research Now, where she was a finance manager.
In a statement released today, Miss Marlow's immediate family -- her father, mother, sister and brother -- spoke of their grief.
"To learn of the death of a loved and adored daughter and sister is a tragedy in itself but with the circumstances surrounding Catherine's death as a family we are struggling to comprehend what has happened," they said.
"We are still trying to come to terms with it all -- there is no doubt it is a family's worst nightmare.
"The only shining light in all of this is that Catherine was doing what she loved. She had a real passion for travelling and she loved her life living and working in London.
"Catherine was a strong and vibrant young woman, everyone who knew her loved her and in return she was a loving and thoughtful daughter, sister, friend and workmate."
The family thanked family, friends and the New Zealand public for their support.
"The British police have been fantastic in keeping us up to date with information, which we are grateful for."
The family now requested privacy so they could grieve as a family.
Meanwhile, a man who had been arrested and interviewed by south London police investigating the murder has been released without being charged.
London police Detective Chief Inspector Damian Allain said this morning the man had been released, but could not comment further on him.
Mr Allain said police were doing everything possible to "find out what happened in this sad case".
"I can say we've got some very viable lines of inquiry," he said.
Forensic experts were examining the murder scene and companies which worked in the complex where Miss Marlow's body had been found had relocated to other premises in the meantime.
"I am very confident and buoyant that we will achieve some success with this case," Mr Allain said.
Police were appealing for information about a handbag Miss Marlow, 28, had with her the night she died and was missing from the office where she was found.
It was brown leather with a distinctive flap.
A post mortem showed Miss Marlow died of asphyxiation.
Earlier police had arrested a 28-year-old man, who media reported was found with blood on him.
The man called emergency services from the offices where Miss Marlow was found, reportedly slumped in a shower, fully dressed and in a pool of blood.
A police source said the arrested man arrived at the offices with "a small group of friends, including the victim's best friend" just after 9pm.
"He told his friends to wait outside. He went upstairs and called the police telling them he had found the woman's body at around 9.30pm," the source told British news website Metro.
- NZPA
