The family of a 94-year-old woman who died after being stabbed in the neck at a care home have paid tribute to their “loving” grandmother.

Ruby Wilson died at the Forest Place Nursing Home in Buckhurst Hill last Wednesday (November 29), where she and husband Leslie had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Her grandson, Antony Jennings, 32, has been charged with her murder. He was arrested at the scene by police after care staff had raised the alarm.

A post-mortem carried out last week gave the former seamstress’s preliminary cause of death as a stab wound to the neck.

In a statement, her family said: “As a family we loved Ruby, who will be remembered for her creativity and love for crocheting, dressmaking and bingo.

“She always brought the family together and loved spending time with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild.

“She was together with her husband Leslie for 75 years and always had a song to sing for every occasion.

“She will be dearly missed by all of us, her loving family.”

Jennings, of Clinton Crescent, Ilford, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday, where he did not enter a plea.

He was remanded in custody and is now due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court later today.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mrs Wilson had been living at Forest Place Nursing Home in Buckhurst Hill

Ruby and former docker Leslie, 95, who was also known as Robert or Bob, had lived in Loughton for more than 40 years before they moved to Forest Place in 2014.

Former neighbour George Brunswick, 58 said: "They were really nice and friendly, they'd always give us a wave, couldn't imagine anyone wanting to do anything to them or to say anything bad about them.

"They were retired when we got here 20 years ago- but they were old, you know?

"They moved to the same home.

"We just really can't believe it to be honest - we didn't know them well but we know that their family still live there but they never speak to us."

Around 70 people are looked after at Forest Place, which cares for dementia sufferers, people with physical disabilities and offers palliative care.

A spokesman for the care home said: "A tragic incident occurred within the home, which resulted in the death of a resident.

"The incident was immediately reported to Essex Police and measures were put in place to safeguard other residents within the home.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the resident. This has been a traumatic experience for us all."