THE family of a teenager, who died while in the care of a mental health hospital several days ago, have paid tributes to a "loving and caring" person.

Nadia Sharif, 17, who was a patient at the crisis-hit West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough, was also described by her older sister as "helpful and clever".

The teenager was discovered in a coma at the hospital on Monday, August 5, and taken to the nearby James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where she died on Friday.

Her sister, Maariyah Sharif told The Northern Echo that Nadia had become upset after reportedly being told by staff that she was not allowed to attend the funeral of her friend.

The death came just weeks after another 17-year-old West Lane Hospital patient, Christie Brayley of Newton Aycliffe was found in a coma and died, in June.

The Northern Echo: Nadia Sharif, who was a patient at West Lane HospitalNadia Sharif, who was a patient at West Lane Hospital

Yesterday it emerged that CQC inspectors visited the hospital again last week after fresh concerns were raised.

Police said an investigation had now been launched into the circumstances surrounding Nadia's death, while the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust said a full review and investigation would be carried out.

West Lane Hospital is currently under investigation by the health regulators - the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following the death of the 17-year-old in June.

The regulators have also since suspended the safety rating for the entire health trust, while West Lane Hospital is currently suspended from taking on or re-admitting mental health patients.

A spokesperson for the Care Quality Commission said NHS England had been "keeping the wards" at the hospital under close surveillance following the first death.

It said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent deaths of two people being treated at West Lane Hospital – we would like to offer our sincere condolences to everyone who has been affected by the loss."

Responding to concerns raised in June, the spokesperson said: "We conducted a responsive unannounced inspection of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health service provided by the trust. We fully briefed NHS England following this and we are aware that they have been keeping the wards under close surveillance since that time.

“Inspectors returned to the hospital last week in response to further concerns and are currently compiling the report. The concerns have been made very clear to the trust and consideration is being given to further enforcement action."

The CQC is now working with NHS England, local commissioners and stakeholders in relation to concerns raised with the service.