Claire Louise Atkinson

Claire's mum Kath, 52, dad Grenville, 55, brother Paul 27, and his fiancée Sarah, 28 - said: "We are completely devastated at the sudden and tragic loss of our precious and beautiful daughter and sister.

"Claire was very outgoing with a bubbly and lively character. She had a sparkling personality and loved her life with her boys.

"Her sons Harvey, nine, Euan, seven, have had their caring and loving mum who they loved deeply and adored spending time with taken away from them at such a young age.

Claire Louise Atkinson was found in the front seat of a Hyundai after the car was involved in a road traffic collision on Fleetwood Road North in Thornton just before 1.15pm on Friday.

Police were called to the scene by paramedics and it was quickly established her injuries were not caused by the impact of the crash.

A home office post mortem examination confirmed the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Kath said: "Everybody who knew Claire said she had a real sparkle in her eye, she lit up every room she walked into.
"She had a very sharp wit and was always so positive.
"If she took you as a friend, you had a friend for life and she was never afraid to speak the truth.
"She always had the most beautiful smile."

Brother Paul, 27, spoke of how he used to dance round the living room with Miss Atkinson to Billy Ocean's When The Going Gets Tough when they were children.
He said: "I was so proud to call Claire my sister.
"She always loved to dance and made us laugh recently telling us how during a lazy Sunday she had ended up dancing on her mattress.
"I will miss her laugh, the way she said her words and her infectious personality - she was a beautiful person.
"I want to thank my mum and dad for giving her to everyone."

Miss Atkinson's father Grenville also remembered happy family times being on holiday or making annual trips to see Disney on Ice in Manchester with her and two sons Harvey, nine, and Euan, seven.
He said: "Claire would save up so she could spoil her boys, she always put them first.
"These are memories I will cherish forever."

A former work colleague and friend from Deansgate Insurance on Lord Street where Miss Atkinson worked for a time also spoke of their heartbreak. She said: "Claire was a fantastic person, I can never remember her saying a bad word about anyone.
" I remember her telling me when she was pregnant for the first time, she told me having children was all she had ever wanted.
"She always brightened up my day and knew the right things to say