A man has been charged with murder after a woman’s body was found dumped in a suitcase four days after her wedding.

Dawn Walker, 52, was found dead on Sunday afternoon near a playground in Lightcliffe, Halifax.

It has been reported that Ms Walker, who had a young son, got married last Wednesday.

Thomas Nutt, 45, today appeared before magistrates charged with Ms Walker's murder.

He spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing at Bradford & Keighley Magistrates Court.

West Yorkshire Police said they are not actively seeking any further suspects in connection with Ms Walker’s death.

Officers were called to reports of a body at a property there just before 4:40 pm on Halloween.

A friend of Ms Walker told YorkshireLive that her body had been discovered in a suitcase on a grassy area.

“Dawn was a sound woman. She got married on Wednesday and now this has happened,” said the friend, who did not wish to be named.

"Now a little boy has been left with no mum.”

The friend added: "She was the soundest person you could meet.

“She was friendly and generous. She once paid for a disabled man's shopping when he was short."

In a statement released through police, her family said: “We write this with a very heavy heart that yesterday we lost a loving daughter, mother, Nanna, sister, Auntie and friend. 

"In circumstances beyond our control, you were taken from us so suddenly. 

"We ask at this time as a family, that you respect our privacy and allow us to grieve.”

A neighbour said: “I am gobsmacked - there is no other word for it. 

“It is devastating. I have lived here for 40 years and what has happened is just terrible."

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Aysgarth Avenue or the surrounding streets between 1pm and 4.38pm on Sunday afternoon.

Detective Inspector Amanda Wimbles said: “Our enquiries are still continuing but we have now identified the person who initially called us.

“We are aware of speculation about this incident on social media and would ask people to be mindful of the impact this may have on the victim’s family. This is clearly an extremely distressing time for them and would ask that people refrain from unhelpful comment that may cause unnecessary further upset.

“I would also encourage anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward and inform police by calling 101 or using the 101Live Chat facility on the website quoting log 1317 of 31st October.

“Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”