Tributes have been paid to journalist and broadcaster Tazeen Ahmad who has died aged 48.

A BAFTA nominated TV reporter, Royal Television Society Winner 2014, Association for International Broadcasting Winner 2014, presenter and writer she worked across all the major broadcasters for over 20 years including ITN, NBC, BBC and Channel 4.

She was a keen advocate in supporting charitable causes and in particular, women’s rights, domestic abuse and highlight issues surrounding child abuse. 

She won the first Asian Media Awards Best Investigation Award in 2013 for her piece, 'The Hunt for Britain's Sex Gangs'. 

In recent years she was seen on Channel 4's Dispatches programme leading groundbreaking investigations. 

Nida Hussan her niece wrote on Facebook, "She was a brilliant investigative journalist.  More importantly, she was my favourite khala. 

"One that came into my life very late, but for the time that she was in it, added so much. 

"She was a doting mother to two of most intelligent, kind, young boys I know, and a pair of cats. Words matter in times of grief, yet they fail me as I attempt to write something about the woman I so admired.

"It is very difficult for me to say "was", instead of "is" here-- a reflection of how difficult it is to accept that she is no longer here with us. A kind friend reminded me that one often does not know how to go about grieving for a life interrupted, as compared to a life completed-- as is true for hers, as she was taken from us too soon yesterday.

"May we all know women like her, and have the opportunity to learn from them-- and love them."

Her brothers said in a statement, “We remain immensely proud of all she achieved - as a mother, journalist, writer and for her coaching work.

"She was in an amazing room filled with sunflowers, cushions, candles and an abundance of love.

“So many people have been in touch remarking on her powerful ability to turn around people's lives for the better. She was so proud of her two young boys who are left to remember their loving, kind, smart, nurturing, beautiful mama.

"She was in an amazing room filled with sunflowers, cushions, candles and an abundance of love when she passed away, surrounded by her close friends and family.”

Aaqil Ahmed posted on Twitter, "Such sad news. Knew Tazeen as a young researcher and then brought her to @Channel4  and made some great films with her. She’ll live on in our hearts and I can’t imagine what her family are going through right now. RIP Tazeen."

Maryyum Mehmood wrote on Twiitter, "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of another young Brit Muslim woman journalist. Last month we marked the passing of Hanna Yusuf, now Tazeen Ahmad. In a profession where it’s a struggle to make it as a WOC, heart wrenching to lose yet another rising star, role model. #RIP"

Hina Zaidi posted, "She was also beautiful inside out and a caring, loving friend. I will miss her beyond what words can express. We’re lucky this planet had her for the short while it did . #RIP"

The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan said, "Deeply saddened Tazeen Ahmad has died. In 2001 when I joined the launch of @bbcthree news, she was the Presenter. Graceful, kind and inspirational she became a mentor and friend. It meant so much to see a brilliant Asian woman excel. She was a dogged journalist + a role model."