Friends of Danielle McLaughlin, murdered in Goa, have set up a fund to bring her body home

The heartbroken friends of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with her repatriation and funeral expenses.

McLaughlin's body was found in woodland, 300m from the road in Canacona, a coastal resort in Goa. According to reports, the 28-year-old had injuries to her head and face and was severely beaten. Police believe she was also raped and local news outlets say a man, arrested on Wednesday, has confessed to the crime. It's thought she was a holiday in the district with a friend and had arrived in the area on Sunday, continuing a backpacking trip she began in February. A post-mortem examination is underway and it's believed that one person has been arrested in relation to the woman's death. Writing on the GoFundMe page, which has already surpassed its €10,000 target, Christy Duffy said: "There's not really much anyone can say at the moment as I know we are all completely devastated.

"This fund is to assist the repatriation and funeral expenses for our friend Danielle who was tragically taken from us all too soon this week. "At the moment the family have the Irish embassy, the British embassy, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and many close friends working hard on the arrangements to take her home."

Paying tribute to the much-loved backpacker, Duffy continued:

"There is nothing I need to say about Danielle as anyone who knew her, knew that she was a beautiful and kind hearted, funny young lady who loved life and was a loyal and devoted friend, sister and daughter. They say the brightest stars burn the quickest and no other analogy could describe Danielle's life better, on behalf of her family thanks in advance for the donations and keep on smiling as Danielle would have wanted."

To donate, visit GoFundMe.