The son of accused ‘Twitter troll’ Brenda Leyland, was among the first to pay tribute to his mother, with the message: “I love you mum and will miss you forever.”

Ben Leyland posted the words on Facebook and Twitter, shortly after Ms Leyland, 63, of Burton Overy, was found dead at the Marriott Hotel, in Enderby on Saturday.

Friends of the 30-year-old musician, who now lives in Los Angeles, posted messages of condolence to him.

Ben, who is the eldest of Ms Leyland’s two sons, had not long before posted “I am love I am light, thanks to you”.

Ms Leyland’s death came two days after she was confronted at her home by Sky News reporter Martin Brunt, who asked her about claims she had used her Twitter account to send abusive messages to Kate and Gerry McCann, of Rothley.

Following the accusations, neighbours told the Mercury they believed Ms Leyland had "fled" the village.

Her body was discovered in a room at the Marriott Hotel, in Smith Way, Grove Park, at 1.45pm on Saturday.

While the cause of Ms Leyland’s death has not yet been confirmed, police have said it was “unexpected” and was not being treated as suspicious. This has widely been interpreted as suicide.

Some residents in the village of Burton Overy, where Ms Leyland lived, expressed sorrow at her death as the news spread today.

“I feel sorry for the McCanns and I also feel sorry for the family of Brenda,” said one.

“Nothing is worth taking your own life for.

“I was surprised when I heard the news but I was surprised about the whole thing.

“It is very sad, very, very sad.”

However, some were not so measured in their opinion, with one person claiming Ms Leyland had “shamed the village” by sending the alleged abusive messages to the McCanns. 

“I think she’s only got herself to blame and no-one else,” the resident added.

A spokesperson for Sky News told the Mercury yesterday: “We were saddened to hear of the death of Brenda Leyland.

“It would be inappropriate to speculate or comment further at this time.”

A spokeswoman for the Marriott Hotel said: “We are very sad to confirm the death of a guest at the Leicester Marriott Hotel and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased.

“As this is a police matter and an investigation is underway, we are unable to comment further and inquiries should be directed to the police.”

In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: “Officers were called following a report of Brenda Leyland being found deceased at a hotel room in Smith Way, Grove Park.

“Ms Leyland’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.

“Officers acting on behalf of the Coroner will look into the circumstances surrounding and prior to her unexpected death.”

Who was Brenda Leyland?

Brenda Leyland, 63, had lived in Burton Overy, in Leicestershire, for around 15 years, since 1999.

She was a church-going mother, with two sons, Ben, 30, who now lives in Los Angeles and his younger brother Dan, who is believed to still live in Leicestershire.

It is believed she was divorced but still uses her married name of Leyland.

It has been reported that Ms Leyland was educated at a convent school and studied at Goldsmiths, University of London.