A SMALL community was left shocked and saddened this week after a two-year-old boy was found dead at his home.

Modbury residents have been paying tribute to 'gorgeous little boy' Shaun O'Neill.

His body was found at his home in Champernowne on Saturday morning.

Police were called to the address at 8.20am. His mother – Angela Vane, 40 – was later charged with his murder.

Residents have told of shock and disbelief as the events unfolded around the normally-peaceful town. Many placed floral tributes outside the house as an investigation got underway.

Neighbour Jim Petford said: 'It is just so sad. You see these things happen on the TV and you just don't ever expect they could happen in your neighbourhood.

'No one really knew the family that well, they just kept themselves to themselves, but you can never prepare for something like this.

'The little we saw of the mother and child she appeared to dote on him, which makes this all the more sad.

'We saw them playing outside in the snow only a few days ago.'

His wife, Stella, added: 'It's so sad for everyone concerned as he was a gorgeous little boy. We used to see him trying to ride his tricycle. It was just too big for him but he would have grown into it soon enough.

'From what we know, his mum had experienced tragedies in her life and suffered from various mental health issues, but no one could ever have expected this.'

Vane appeared at Torquay Magistrates Court on Monday morning charged with murder. She did not enter a plea.

She was due to appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Wednesday. A preliminary hearing was also set for February 4, with a plea and case management hearing due to take place on April 15.

Resident Rachelle Light from nearby Meadowbrook Terrace said: 'It's such an awful thing to happen, everyone is genuinely in shock. It's fair to say that lots of people knew of Angela, but very few, if any, actually knew her.

'From what I understand she had her problems but you could never, ever have thought this possible.'

Chairman of Modbury Parish Council Peter Watts said: 'Everyone is in shock. We don't know what has gone on. It's a big shock something like this could happen in Modbury, it's such a small community.'

Residents say that Vane had lived in Modbury for over 20 years, helping at the local pre-school in the 1990s and 'offering a friendly face' to families and children alike.

Investigating officers have made an appeal for anyone who may have seen a woman walking between Modbury and Wrangaton between 2am and 8.15am on Saturday, January 19, to contact them.

The woman in question is described as having fair, shoulder-length hair and wearing a black jacket, black jeans and green wellington boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting log number 0218 of 190113.