Teenager’s body found on beach

Aug 31 2011 by Val Woan, Heswall News

THOUSANDS of tributes have been paid to a teenage girl whose body was found washed up on a Wirral beach

The grim discovery was made at 7am on Monday morning by a dog walker at Fort Perch Rock, near New Brighton promenade.

Police later confirmed 17-year-old Hayley Holmes, from Birkenhead, had drowned.

As investigations began they were treating the death as “unexplained”.

Hayley was a pupil at Upton Hall School for girls where she was due to return next week to continue her studies for her AS-levels.

Headteacher, Patricia Young, said: “Hayley was just about to start her final year and was a much-loved member of our school community.

“She was bright, beautiful, with a bubbly personality, and had so much potential to fulfil.

“Hayley had been made a member of the school council, and had a zest for life and a drive to look after others.

“Her friends and teachers are deeply shocked and our hearts go out to her family, who were so proud of her.”

A tribute page on Facebook, RIP Hayley Holmes, has already attracted thousands of comments since the tragedy.

The posts were made by the many devastated friends of the popular teenager, as well as complete strangers.

One described her as “the life and soul of our party,” and another said “such a wasted life for a beautiful young girl.”

Forensic officers were sent to the scene and the area was cordoned off for investigation.

It is believed a number of items were found near to the body and officers are trying to find out if they were in any way connected to the teenager.

A Merseyside police spokesman said: “We can confirm that a post mortem examination was carried out on Monday afternoon and the cause of death established as drowning.

“The deceased has been formally identified.

“The death is unexplained and the investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information should call Birkenhead CID on 0151 777 2263 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.