A man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead in her home in north Wales.

Dean Mark Albert Mears, 33, is accused of murder and burglary with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after the death of Catherine Flynn, 69. He was remanded in custody after appearing in court.

North Wales police were called at 10.30pm on 24 October to a residential property in Rhyl. Officers found Flynn, who was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, of which she later died.

In a tribute, Flynn’s family said her death had “left a huge hole in everyone’s hearts”.

The family added: “Cathy was a wonderful mum, nan, great nan, auntie, and sister, and also a second mother to many and a great friend. She loved her family more than anything, she was a fantastic cook and was always wanting to feed anyone in her company.

“Her pride and joy (after her family) was her love for her garden. She would sit for hours just watching the birds and the bees come in and out of her little wonderland, with every flower imaginable.

“Her house was so welcoming and warm. She was beautiful inside and out. To her friends, neighbours and anyone else she knew, she was just a ray of sunshine with the biggest smile on her face. She would do anything for anyone, she would give anyone her last penny and her door was always open for a nice cuppa and a chat. And this went both ways: anyone who knew her would do anything for her too, as she was respected by all.”

A 28-year-old man arrested on conspiracy to commit murder has been released on conditional police bail, pending further inquiries.

A 25-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been eliminated from inquiries after police established that she had no involvement.

On 5 November, the police renewed a call for information that could help with their inquiries. DCI Lee Boycott said: “I am grateful to all those in the local community who have come forward to assist us so far. However, if there is anyone who has not yet spoken to us, I would urge them to contact us, no matter how small their information may be.”

Flynn’s friend Natalie Warren paid tribute on a fundraising website. “This has absolutely turned this family upside down. Cathy was such a lovely woman, she had the greatest smile and the absolute most kindest of hearts, she would help anyone and everyone without a second thought. No one deserves what this poor lady went through,” she wrote.

“Natasha, her husband, Liam, and daughter Tal were so, so close to Cathy. Tasha was her mum’s carer and looked after her mum so dearly, so as you can imagine this has come as a huge shock and absolutely broken this family to pieces to have the mum/nan taken from them in such a brutal way.”