Family pay tribute to 'wonderful' mother, 49, who died after being pulled from freezing River Derwent - as man 'known to her', 47, appears in court charged with murder

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The family of a 49-year-old woman who died after being pulled from a freezing river has paid tribute to a 'wonderful daughter, mum, auntie and little sister'. 

Mother-of-one Lisa Welford, who has now been pictured for the first time, was rescued from the River Derwent in Malton, North Yorkshire, last Wednesday but later died in hospital.

The tribute comes as Vincent Joseph Morgan, 47, appeared at York Magistrates' Court today charged with murder and two counts of assault. 

Ms Welford's family said in a statement: 'Lisa was a wonderful daughter, mum, auntie, and little sister.

'She had many friends both locally and further afield and will be sadly missed by all.

'We are sincerely grateful and appreciative of all the ongoing support that we have received from the local community.'

Mother-of-one Lisa Welford (pictured) was rescued from the River Derwent in Malton, North Yorkshire, last Wednesday but later died in hospital

Vincent Joseph Morgan, 47, has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman pulled from the River Derwent (pictured) 

Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene where Ms Welford was pulled from the water

Morgan, who is said to be known to Ms Welford, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing today. 

She was discovered in the water by members of the public near to her home in the North Yorkshire market town. 

Emergency services pulled her from the river, near Riverside Walk, shortly before midnight and performed resuscitation in a desperate bid to save her.

She was rushed to hospital by ambulance but there was nothing they could do to save her and she died a short time later. 

Friends paid tribute online to the 'lovely mum' saying she 'didn't deserve this'.

No pleas were entered during the short two-minute hearing, in which Morgan appeared behind a glass-fronted screen.

Morgan, of Malton, was remanded by JPs in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court tomorrow morning. No application for bail was made.

Chairman of the bench, Malcolm Dodds, told Morgan: 'You will be remanded in custody.

'This bench does not have jurisdiction to offer bail.

'That is to appear at Leeds Crown Court tomorrow morning at 10am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

'You can go with the officers.'

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page said: 'Our thoughts are with Lisa's family and friends at this very sad time. 

'We understand the disruption and distress it has caused locally and I want to thank the community for their patience and support.' 

Flowers left at the scene included a hand-written note saying 'Rest in Peace. You didn't deserve this' and 'Rest in peace lovely. You will never be forgotten'.

It is believed Lisa had gone into the water behind the local skate park, which had earlier been busy with local teenagers. 

It is understood people nearby heard what was happening and rushed to try to help her. 

A spokesperson for the force said previously: 'We are investigating a serious incident in Malton overnight.

Morgan appeared at York Magistrates' Court (pictured) also accused of two counts of assault against the same victim

She was discovered at 11.40pm on Wednesday by members of the public in Malton (file photo)

'At about 11.40pm on Wednesday 24 April, we were called with a report that a woman was in the River Derwent at Malton.

'Members of the public and police officers pulled the woman out of the water, and performed first aid and CPR.

'She was taken to hospital by ambulance, but sadly she was later pronounced deceased.' 

The spokesperson added: 'A man in his 40s, who was known to the woman, has been arrested in connection with her death. 

'He remains in custody while our enquiries continue. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

'There is a significant police presence in Malton as we investigate this incident. 'We understand members of the public may be upset or concerned about what has happened - our Neighbourhood Policing Team will be in the town to offer reassurance.' 

A North Yorkshire Fire Service spokesperson added at the time: 'Crews from Malton responded to reports of two persons in the water behind the bus station. 

'Both persons were rescued by a member of the public prior to our arrival.

 'Crews assisted other emergency services on scene with casualty care.'