TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who was found dead at the weekend.

Police are not treating the sudden death of 14-year-old Lucy Smith, of Bishop Auckland, as suspicious.

Officers were called to an address in Bishop Auckland at about 11pm on Saturday.

Lucy's father Glynn Smith said in a statement on Facebook: "I'm Lucy's dad. I don't normally bother much with Facebook but Lucy loved talking to her friends on here. When she used to come round and stay at mine she would never be off her phone.

"I'm broken, hurt, destroyed actually, but I am finding comfort reading your messages to see that so many people loved her, even if they make me cry and want her here.

"Keep doing what you all are doing, she would love this. Try to be strong and never forget her."

"I love you more than anything Lucy, I miss you and I promise you no one will ever forget Lucy Rebecca Smith xxxxxxx."

Nick Grieveson, headteacher at King James I Academy, in Bishop Auckland, where Lucy was a pupil, paid tribute to the teenager: “Students and staff from King James I Academy were devastated to hear the sad news of Lucy Smith's untimely and tragic death.

“Lucy was a bright, friendly and enthusiastic member of our school community and a good friend to so many other students. She will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts go out to her family and many friends at this time. We will be working closely with them to come to terms with our loss and to provide all of the support we can.

“We would respectfully request that Lucy's family and friends be provided with the time and space which they will clearly need at this time.”

Detective Inspector Lee Blakelock, of Durham Police, said: “We can confirm police attended the sudden death of a 14-year-old girl in Bishop Auckland, at around 11pm on Saturday. “The death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”

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