Touching floral tributes have begun to appear at the scene of a flat fire which tragically killed teenager Leah Casson.
Leah’s “totally devastated” family spoke earlier this week about the pain of losing the beloved 18-year-old after a blaze tore through their home on Vicarage Street, North Shields, on Monday. And now, letters and flowers for Leah are being laid near the scene.
“Forever in our hearts. Fly high Leah. Forever 18,” one tribute reads. Another says: “RIP Leah. You’ll be sadly missed. Fly high sweetheart. Lots of love.”
Read more: Mum of 12-year-old girl who took her own life after bullying demands action from the Government
While a heartbreaking message from Leah’s family at the scene reads: “To our blue-eyed girl, you’re one in a million. Me and dad love you very much. Now you’re in the stars forever loved.”
Dozens of bunches of brightly-coloured flowers have been laid on the street while a police cordon remains in place, as work is under way to make the building safe ahead of a probe into Leah's death.
Leah’s family said on Monday: “As a family we are totally devastated by what has happened. Leah was an outgoing, bubbly young woman who we loved so much, and we can’t believe she has gone."
Three people, who the Chronicle understands to be members of Leah's family, managed to escape the property but the body of a fourth person, believed to be Leah, was found inside, though a formal identification has not yet taken place.
The incident is being treated as suspected arson and detectives at Northumbria Police are urging anyone with information which could help their investigation to come forward.
Read more:
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'She will always be with us': Family of 12-year-old Charley Patterson say goodbye in moving service
Mum of 12-year-old Charley-Ann Patterson sets up charity in lasting tribute
