The boyfriend of murdered teacher Jane Longhurst last night led a tearful stream of tributes, saying: "I feel numb. Devastated. It's such a waste of life."

Education welfare officer Malcolm Sentance, 34, spoke exclusively to us after detectives confirmed the body found at a beauty spot near Pulborough was that of missing Jane.

He said: "She was beautiful."

Mr Sentance described his "24 hours of hell" after receiving a warning call from detectives on Saturday night.

Officers heading the five-week investigation into Jane's disappearance said they were carrying out an examination of the body, discovered in woodland on Wiggonholt Common.

His worst fears were confirmed at 9pm on Sunday as he waited by the phone in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, where he had spent the Easter break with a friend.

He said: "Those 24 hours were hell. It is very sad. I feel numb. Devastated."

Mr Sentance, who lived with Jane in Shaftesbury Road, Brighton - and planned to propose had she been found alive - spoke to her mother Liz and sister Sue Barnett on the telephone soon after hearing the terrible news.

He said: "We were all crying. It's such a waste of life."

Now he is praying the man who strangled his girlfriend, dumped her at the remote spot, doused her and set her on fire is caught quickly.

Asked how he felt about the person responsible for ending Jane's life so horrifically, he replied: "What's done is done. But we must now make sure he doesn't do it again.

"Police said they would be stepping up the inquiry big-time. They've now got forensic evidence to look at whereas previously they had nothing to go on. Hopefully it will lead to them to the killer."

Friends and relatives expressed their horror and grief at the killing of a woman they described as dedicated, caring, professional and talented.

Jane's sister mother yesterday released a joint statement along with Mr Sentance through Sussex Police.

They said: "Whilst we were expecting the worst, none of us could be prepared for how devastating this is.

"We have lost a devoted daughter, sister and partner. Jane was loved by all who knew her and she enjoyed life to the full. She will be missed terribly. Her death has left a hole in all of our lives."

Paul Atkins, headteacher at Uplands School where Jane taught music, said: "Jane was a delightful, genuine and caring person. Her loss will have a deep impact on both the pupils and staff."

Prayers were offered and memorial candles lit at the home of two of Jane's friends in Lewes.

Andrew and Mary Sherwood, members of the town's Russian Orthodox Church, worked closely with the murdered viola player.

Mr Sherwood is director and conductor of Musicians of All Saints (MAS) in Lewes and his wife is orchestral manager.

They met Jane through MAS and the Brighton Youth Orchestra, which currently is on tour in Barcelona.

Mrs Sherwood said: "Jane came with us on tour to Scotland last year and she was always so lovely, caring and had such a lovely temperament.

"She assisted the teenagers and had a way with her that would defuse situations. She never got angry or seemed depressed. She was always upbeat and thoughtful."

She added: "We all feeling very miserable and we just pray Jane did not suffer too much."