Friends of barmaid who was stabbed to death in her home have described her as a ‘bubbly, friendly’ character.

Natalia Czekaj, a Polish national who moved to London ten years ago, was found dead at her home in Edgware at 12.18am on Tuesday, January 6.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as shock, haemorrhage and multiple stab wounds.

Colleagues and friends of the 34-year-old barmaid and former waitress said she was a "good friend" and a "bubbly character".

Renata Tolgay, who owns Reni’s Cafe in High Street, Barnet, where Miss Czekaj worked as a waitress for several years, said: “I never saw her losing her temper, or being down or unhappy. She was a very happy girl and never complained.

“I spoke to her about four weeks ago and she seemed okay – she always seemed to be okay.

“She was a very friendly person, and very helpful – she’s been a good friend to us.”

After graduating from technology college, Ms Czekaj worked at The Alliance pub in West Hampstead and had lived with her partner in Berridge Green for three years.

James Richardson, 34, of Berridge Green, Edgware, was charged with her murder and appeared at the Old Bailey on January 12.

He will reappear at the court on April 27.