The family of a 23-year-old woman found dead in a country lane have described being “robbed of our treasured daughter”.

       Ross Macullam, 29, was on Tuesday charged with the murder of Megan Newborough and has been remanded in custody.

       The 23-year-old was reported missing on Saturday and her body was discovered on a remote road near Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, in the early hours of Sunday.

       The force said Mr Macullam had been further arrested on suspicion of rape but has since been released under investigation on that matter.

       He is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. It is not clear if the pair were known to each other before her death.

       Following Ms Newborough’s disappearance, detectives appealed for anyone who saw a white Citroen C3 travelling between Coalville and Loughborough from 8pm to 10pm and may have captured its movements on a dash cam or CCTV camera.

       The family of Ms Newborough, from Nuneaton, paid tribute to their “generous, loving and caring” daughter after the discovery of her body which has left them “heartbroken and devastated”.

       The 23-year-old worked in human resources for Ibstock, a manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, from Feb 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.

       She previously studied at King Edward College VI sixth form college in Nuneaton. Stuart Noss, the head teacher of King Edward College, described Ms Newborough as a “conscientious student” who went on to have a successful career.

       “The college community is devastated to hear the news of Megan and our thoughts are with her family and friends,” he said in a statement.

       “Megan was a well-respected, conscientious student whilst studying for her A-levels and had gone on to do incredibly well in her career.

       “It is truly a tragedy that Megan has been taken before her time. We respectfully ask that the local community and those who knew Megan are given the time and space to grieve in private.”

       Paying tribute to their daughter in a statement, her family said: “There are no words to describe how much we as a family are completely heartbroken and devastated.

       “Megan was the most generous, loving and caring person and we have been robbed of our treasured daughter.

       “We are grateful for the support we have received so far but ask that we are allowed to grieve in peace.”

       Her father, Anthony Newborough, is understood to have been an organist for his local church and her grandfather, Ken Newborough, a local vicar.

       Police appeal for witnesses

       In a statement, Leceistershire Police said: “A 29-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Megan Newborough.

       “Ross Macullam, of Windsor Close in Coalville, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow [Wednesday Aug 11].

       “Megan, 23, was initially reported missing to Warwickshire Police and an investigation by their officers led them to Leicestershire. Her body was found in Charley Road, near Woodhouse Eaves, in the early hours of Sunday morning [Aug 8].

       “Macullam was later arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released under investigation regarding the matter.”

       Detective Inspector Kenny Henry, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, is leading the investigation.

       He said: “We’re continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death and I am still appealing for public help to piece together the information we already have. I would ask that anyone who thinks they are able to help but hasn’t yet spoken to us to do the right thing and come forward – it’s not too late.”