Beth Aspey: Tributes paid to victim amid ongoing Reading murder investigation

The 34 year old was found dead at her home in Laud Close, Coley Park, on Friday, April 30.

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Thames Valley Police arrested Ben Shand, of Crescent Court, Reading, and he stood in Reading Magistrates Court earlier today (May 4), facing one charge of murder.

It was said in court today that "the initial post-mortem suggested blunt force trauma" as the cause of death.

Police outside the home of Beth Aspey

Neighbours have been left shocked at the news of a murder investigation being launched on their doorstep. 

Since, several people locally have rushed to pay tribute to their neighbour Ms Aspey.

Nearby resident Luke Turner said he had known Ms Aspey during the two years prior to her death, saying that he used to spend time with her in her flat.

He described her as 'a nice girl' and said he was shocked to find out about her death.

The resident added that the scene of descending police officers on Friday 'was madness' as resident first became aware of a serious incident locally.

Another resident, who wished to be anonymous, also described the scene on Friday.

"At around 4.30[pm] I heard an ambulance turn up and then police turned up, and we knew something happened that was bad because there was a lot of them.

"We all wondered what had happened, then the police cordon went up soon afterwards, and you know what speculation is like.

"It was quite shocking at the time, it was mind blowing, right by our doorstep.

"My heart goes out to the family and all that know her, and my prayers and thoughts will be with her."

Beth Aspey. Pic: Thames Valley Police

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Another resident Paul Reid said: "It's terrible. We were quite devastated really.

"We've never had anything like this happen around here ever, this is a quiet little area. No hassle, no problems, nothing, and then something like that happens."

Forensics outside the home of Beth Aspey

Another neighbour, who wished not to be named, said: "I saw a bunch of police and an ambulance come down the estate at once - it was quite shocking to hear about something like that, and especially to someone like her.

"She was so nice. When I was younger I used to play football outside, and she used to hand out packets of crisps to us through the window."

Police officers and forensic teams remained on scene today as the investigation continued. A cordon is still in place surroundin the entrance to the property.

Shand will stand trial in court starting Monday, December 6.