This is sad and gut wrenching ....

A toddler spent three days trapped in a flat with the body of his dead mother before they were discovered by police.

The body of Anneka Sherratt, 31, was discovered at her flat in Plymouth on Monday, with the toddler next to her, alive. It is believed she died there on Friday.

Investigations are still ongoing into Ms Sherratt's death but the cause is not being treated as suspicious.

Photo: Facebook

A toddler spent three days trapped in a flat with the body of his dead mother Anneka Sherratt, 31, before they were discovered by police. Ms Sherratt is pictured above with her son, whose identity has been protected

Friends of Ms Sherratt have since set up a fundraising page to raise money for her young son and the funeral costs.

The Go Fund Me page, which was set up by Emma Louise Fowler, describes Ms Sherratt as a 'very kind and friendly' person who 'will be sadly missed by so many'.

In the post on the page, it states that her death leaves her 'lovely three-year-old boy behind' who had to 'defend for himself for three days.'

More than 25 donations have been made, with £515 raised so far.

A Facebook group has also been set up in her memory. Flowers and messages have since been left outside her flat.

David Elford posted: 'Anneka you were so special to me and I loved you more than words can describe. I will never forget you and I will always think about you and miss you.'

Photo: SWNS

Investigations are still ongoing into Ms Sherratt's death but the cause is not being treated as suspicious. She is pictured with her son

Photo: SWNS

Friends of Ms Sherratt have since set up a fundraising page to raise money for her young son and the funeral costs. Flowers and messages have since been left outside her flat (pictured)

Louise Stedham added: 'My best friend for 4 years I'm going to miss her so very much we were practically inseperable (sic). Love you so much sweetie.'

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said they were called to the property at 1.15pm on Monday.

He added: 'A woman in her 30s was found deceased at the property. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for the coroner.'

A spokeswoman from Plymouth Coroners' Court confirmed an investigation was opened into the 31-year-old's death on February 25.

'She was found at her home address, the cause of death is unascertained and enquires are continuing, there are no suspicious circumstances,' she added.

Photo: SWNS
A Facebook group has also been set up in her memory. This is one of the floral tributes which was left on Ms Sherratt's doorstep in Plymouth