TAVISTOCK is a town in mourning this week after the sudden death of a 15-year-old girl described as ‘beautiful and kind’ in the touching tributes placed at the college where she was a student.

Friends and loved ones have placed messages and flowers to ‘Hannah’ following the tragedy on Saturday and teachers, town leaders and members of the church have been offering support and deepest sympathies to her family.

Police and paramedics were called to Crowndale Road, near to the viaduct, on the edge of town, after a 15-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy were found unwell on Saturday believed to have taken an unknown substance.

The girl, who has not been formally named, was taken to Derriford Hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead. The boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition but police announced on Monday that he is now recovering in hospital.

Among the tributes to ‘Hannah’ included a note signed by a collection of students: ‘Heaven has gained a beautiful, kind and sweet angel. Everyone will miss you dearly. Fly high Han and we will never forget you, you will forever be in our hearts.’

Another card read: ‘You have always been the epitome of beauty and kindness. Growing up with three brothers you always held your own with elegance, grace and composure. You were the cutest girl and blossomed into a lovely woman. Everyone who came into contact with you adored you.’

Tavistock College principal Sarah Jones said that the school was in mourning following the news of the sudden death of the well-loved Year 10 student: ‘The loss of this young lady will impact on all of us in many ways.

‘She was a lovely, caring, talented and popular student who will be missed by everyone who knew her. Always seen about school with a smile on her face, she had everything to live for. Her friends are grief stricken that she should be taken at such a young age.

‘Students are being offered support when they need it by the school pastors, catalyst mentors, the Tavistock Vicar, the Very Rev Dr Christopher Hardwick, and our school counsellor. I’d like to thank those in the community of Tavistock who have given their support. It is a time when everyone must pull together and help each other.

‘We have organised a book of condolence for students, parents and staff to sign and in time we will plan a long lasting and fitting memorial. For now our thoughts and prayers are with this girl’s family and friends.’

Mrs Jones added that teachers took some students down to the area where the young girl died to pay their respects. ‘We organised space for them to be together. Grief is hard to manage and we wanted to support these students the best that we could and in a safe and controlled environment.’

In the days since the tragedy, the town’s parish church St Eustachius’ has been open for people to enter, say a quiet prayer and light a candle.

Tavistock parish church’s vicar, the Very Rev Dr Chris Hardwick, has attended Tavistock College to offer support to the school community during this difficult period.

He said: ‘What has happened is a tragedy and a great sadness. For this to happen to someone so young is a real tragedy.

‘It must be said the college has done a wonderful job supporting students and one another in this time in very difficult circumstances.

‘As for the town, I think we are all grieving this terrible loss.’

Tributes have also been paid by local dignitaries who have offered their ‘heartfelt condolences’ to the friends and families of the girl and boy.

Cllr Philip Sanders, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: ‘I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to all of those people affected by the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl in Tavistock over the weekend and the friends and family of the 14-year-old boy, who was also taken ill.

‘All of our councillors, and particularly our Tavistock ward members are deeply saddened by what has happened. The council is in contact with the police and will provide Tavistock with support though our Community Safety Partnership. I cannot imagine the grief of losing a young person in these circumstances and the impact that this will have on the whole community.’

Tavistock Mayor Cllr Paul Ward said: ‘I’m sure the whole town is shocked and deeply saddened that a 15-year-old girl, a student at Tavistock College, has suddenly had her life taken from her. This is a tragic event that is every parent’s nightmare. Even as a father, grandfather and retired paediatrician I cannot begin to imagine what her parents, family and friends must be going through.

‘All of us on the town council are thinking of you and send you our deepest sympathy and condolences.

‘I was pleased to read that the 14-year-old boy is getting better in Derriford Hospital and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.’

West Devon neighbourhood team leader Sgt Pennie Channing said that the local policing team was offering support to all those affected: ‘While the investigation into the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl in Tavistock continues the Tavistock Local Policing Team are working with Tavistock College to help and support children, staff and parents. Officers went into the college on Monday and will continue to do so during the week, along with other support groups.’

Police have launched an investigation and believed that both youngsters suffered adverse reactions to having taken an as yet unknown substance, which was seized from the scene and is being tested to establish its exact nature.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has information in connection with the incident, including anyone who was in the area around the viaduct/Crowndale Road on Saturday.

Anyone with information which can assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact [email protected] or phone 101, quoting log number 655 of 23/06/18.