PUPILS at Sandymoor School in Runcorn are being offered support following the death of a 14-year-old girl.

Police were called just after 9am yesterday following the discovery of a body in woodlands near Walsingham Drive in Sandymoor.

They are not treating the death as suspicious.

Emma Simpson, principal of Sandymoor School, said: “It is with great sadness that we discovered that one of our pupils in year 10 had passed away over the weekend. 

“The school is open today as we realise that our pupils will need support and guidance during this period, whilst they come to terms with what has happened.  All pupils will be offered support and counselling during this difficult time.

“Like the rest of the community our thoughts are firstly with the family during this tragic time as well as all those that are affected. 

“So that we are able to grieve together as a school community and so that we are able to provide the support to our students, we will be making no further comment and would ask that you respect our wishes at this difficult time.”

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “At 9.09am on Sunday October 15 police were called following the discovery of a body near Walsingham Drive.

“Officers attended the scene where they found the body of a 14-year-old girl. Next of kin has been informed and a post mortem will take place in due course.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”