Margaret Muller had lived in London for less than five years and had only recently moved to Hackney, where she had set up an art studio.

Miss Muller, 27, was an accomplished American artist with a promising career ahead of her.

She had exhibited at London's Slade School of Fine Art and at the George Mason University and University of Maryland in the US.

This is a very decent young lady, hard working and very enthusiastic about her art. DCS John Shatford, Metropolitan Police

Her parents in America were said to be "devastated" and are considering flying to Britain, said police.

Detective chief superintendent John Shatford, who is leading the police inquiry, said: "This is a very decent young lady, hard working and very enthusiastic about her art.

"She appears to be very well liked, she is an attractive young lady who had a bright future ahead of her."

Miss Muller was an "accomplished and respected artist in the art community and the college she attended", Mr Shatford added.

She was a keen, vibrant student with a passion for her subject Slade School of Fine Art

A Slade School of Fine Art spokesman said: "We wish to extend condolences to her family."

Miss Muller had had "a strong sense of loyalty" to the college, which is part of University College London, and would be missed by staff and students, he added.

"She worked closely with a number of tutors and made a positive and enthusiastic contribution to the life of the Slade.

"She was a keen, vibrant student with a passion for her subject."

Passion for art

In an interview in London's Evening Standard in 2001, Miss Muller spoke of her love of art and described her determination to do "that most old-fashioned of things" - to draw live models.

"It was exactly what I wanted and needed," she said.

"I became very passionate about looking. All my work is now strictly observed.

"You need something to respond to, to grow with."

Mr Shatford said there was still an "enormous amount" the inquiry team needed to establish.

He added: "Ms Muller was clearly a hard-working, decent and enthusiastic young lady with a brilliant future ahead of her and her family are devastated by this news."