Family and friends have paid tribute to a "funny, beautiful" 20-year-old who mysteriously died in New Addington this week and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Paula Newman, of Beckenham, died of head injuries after being taken ill in Dunsfold Way on Tuesday morning.

Police believe she fell out of a black BMW 325 on Monday night, between 8.45pm and 11.30pm, and are treating her death as suspicious. 

A 33-year-old was arrested at the scene on Tuesday and detectives have been granted more time to question him.

Paramedics had been called to Dunsfold Way to reports of a woman in cardiac arrest. They took Miss Newman to Croydon University Hospital, where she died.

Miss Newman's brother Gary today launched a Facebook group appealing for witnesses who may help the establish how Paula died.

He wrote: "She was a funny, beautiful girl who we saw grow into a young woman. She was taken from us at just 20 years old and will be missed and in our thoughts forever and always."

He added: "If anyone knows anything please come forward ASAP police need more info and so does my family."

Friends also paid tribute to the 20-year-old, who is thought to have four brothers.

Aaron Murphy, a former friend at Glebe School in West Wickham, told the Croydon Guardian Paula had been "a funny and friendly person."

Sam Rogers described her as "a lovely, very quiet girl".

Friends also added tributes on Facebook. One posted: "Paula, may you rest in peace. Another one taken too soon, too young to die."

Another wrote: "Still in shock I remember the jokes times we had in school and college I just can't believe it you are gone but never to be forgotten fly high girl."

A post-mortem examination on Wednesday found the cause of Paula's death to be head injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Diane Tudway, who is leading the investigation, said: "I believe this lady died as a result of the injuries sustained from falling from the car and that there may have been at least one other person in the BMW.

"I would urge that person, or anyone who witnessed the fall or has information that could help the enquiry to contact the incident room to help us piece together the events of that evening."

Did you know Paula Newman? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6351 or email chris.baynes@london.newsquest.co.uk