Tributes are paid to mother, 40, who was found dead following a house fire

Tributes have been paid to a mother who died in a house fire as police launch a manhunt for her ex-husband. 

Valentina Cozma, 40, died following a blaze at her home on Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent at around 3pm last Thursday.

Staffordshire Police said a post mortem had revealed a provisional cause of death as ‘inhalation of products of combustion’.

Over the weekend, the force launched a nationwide hunt for her ex-husband, Georgian Constantin, 42, from Stoke, who is wanted in connection with her death.

He is believed to have travelled to London and also has links to Southampton.

Valentina Cozma, 40, tragically died following the blaze at her home at around 3pm last Thursday 

The force launched a nationwide hunt for her ex-husband, Georgian Constantin, 42, who is believed to have travelled to London 

Valentina’s family paid an emotional tribute in a statement issued on Monday via police while the search for Constantin continues.

Her sister said: ‘Vali was the person I could talk to about anything.

‘She offered me support whenever I needed it. She always tried to keep the family together.

‘Being an older sister, she made sure we didn’t lack anything, even if she didn’t have a thing.

‘She went through a lot of hard times, yet she never gave up. I am appealing for help from anyone who has details that could help in solving this case’

Specially trained family liaison officers are offering support to Valentina’s family as Constantin remains on the run.

Stoke Commander, Chief Superintendent Colin Mattinson, said ‘My thoughts are with Valentina’s loved ones, and in particular her young son at this deeply traumatic time.

‘I know the local community are in shock that someone within their community has died in such awful circumstances.

Staffordshire Police want to speak to the 42-year-old in connection with her death and are urging anyone who can locate him to get in touch with the police as soon as possible

‘We know she was a quiet woman who was well liked among her neighbours having lived in the area for some years.

‘We take a firm stance against violence against women and domestic abuse. We are working around the clock to trace Constantin.

‘But we also need your help – so my plea is to anyone who has information, no matter how insignificant it may seem – to get in touch.

‘You could hold information that is key to our investigation.

‘I am also appealing to Constantin himself, or anyone who may be harbouring him to get in touch.

‘Running away is not the answer. Anyone found to be assisting an offender will be dealt with robustly as this is a serious crime.

‘A teenage boy has lost his mother, we need to secure justice for him, Valentina, and her wider family. Please share our appeal and contact us if you know anything at all.’

Police also wish to hear from anyone who was in the Campbell Road area between 2pm and 3.30pm on Thursday.

Anyone who sees Constantin, is asked not approach him, but to call police immediately on 999.