The family of a mother and her daughter killed during a domestic row said yesterday they were "innocent parties" in an awful tragedy.

Julie Harrison's father, Reginald Harrison, said his daughter was a "happy-go-lucky, bubbly girl" and he also paid tribute to his "beautiful granddaughter" Maisie, four.

He described his granddaughter as a "confident, happy, chatty, active, animated, bright young girl who brought joy to our lives".

Maisie died from gunshot wounds yesterday at her father Andy Copland's house in Aldershot, Hampshire.

It is believed Mr Copland then turned the gun on himself. Ms Harrison, who was also shot, died this morning in a London hospital.

Mr Harrison, 74, from Camberley in Surrey, said in the statement released by Hampshire police that "Julie was a joy giver and Maisie was our sunshine".

"Julie and Maisie were innocent parties in this awful tragedy," he said.

"Julie was a happy go lucky, bubbly girl who was always laughing and joking and pulling my leg.

"Her very presence made us all feel good and we always looked forward to her visits. She was involved in charity work and loved animals, and recently played the role of Father Christmas for the children at play school.

"She was completely devoted to her daughter Maisie, our beautiful granddaughter. Maisie was a confident, happy, chatty, active, animated, bright young girl who brought joy to our lives. She loved playing with her dolls and loved animals and had just spent a fantastic Christmas with Julie and our family.

"The loss of our beloved Julie and Maisie has devastated our family and close friends, and this is something we are having great difficulty in coming to terms with.

"On behalf of our family, I would like to thank the hospital, the police and everyone who has given us their support during this incredibly distressing time.

"If there is any good to come from this tragedy it is that Julie has given the gift of life to many others by donating her organs."

Police said painter and decorator Copland, 56, had previous convictions from 23 years ago that led to a two-year prison sentence.

They also said investigations into how he had possession of a gun and was able to kill his daughter and former partner were continuing.

Officers also denied reports there had been a history of abuse and violence involving the family and said Mr Copland was not known to them.

Tributes to Ms Harrison and her daughter flooded in today as scores of family and friends went to the scene of the shootings at Church Hill in Aldershot to lay bouquets of flowers and cuddly toys.

Members of the mothers and toddlers group, Maisie and her mother attended on a Tuesday also paid tribute to them at the scene before lighting candles in their memory at nearby St Michael's Church.

The head teacher of Maisie's school, St Michael's Infant in Aldershot, Liz Mathias, said: "We were devastated to hear about the tragic incident involving Maisie. She was a lovely little girl and a daughter that anyone could be proud of."

Family friend Sally Denny added: "Maisie was so full of life - a happy, funny and cheeky girl who knew how to bring a smile to people's faces.

"My last memory of her was seeing her perform in the school nativity. She was dressed as a star but she will always be an angel."

Writing on Friends Reunited recently, Ms Harrison, who was living in Union Street, Aldershot, said she was in a new relationship and "living with someone".

Ms Harrison's ex-husband Kevin Moody, 47, from Farnborough, Hants, said: "she was a good laugh and we had an awful lot of fun when we were together."

The end-of-terrace house remained sealed off by officers all day today as the forensic examination continued.

Next door neighbour Rachael Bryan described how police kicked in the door to try and help those inside after neighbours called 999 at just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

"We went upstairs to my bedroom window and a police car with lights flashing came and a policeman knocked on the door," she said.