POLICE have questioned a man after a teenage girl was found dead at the foot of a cliff.

The body of 17-year-old Kimberley Graham, from the South Shields area of South Tyneside, was recovered from rocks between Marsden Grotto and Souter Point on Saturday.

Police are treating her death as suspicious. They have questioned a 23-year-old man who was last night bailed pending further inquiries.

Officers were called to the area, which is popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, at about 10.30am.

A helicopter flew the body from the scene and the area was cordoned off.

Miss Graham's parents said in a statement: "We are devastated by Kimberley's death and would like to be left alone at this difficult time."

Detective Superintendent Tony Thornton, who is leading the inquiry, appealed for anyone who was in the area on Friday night or early Saturday to come forward.

Visitors to the beauty spot spoke of their shock at the tragedy.

Brian Smith, 48, of Sunderland, said: "I like to come here to exercise my dogs and I believe it was a dog walker who found the body, which must have been awful.

"People can't just fall off these cliffs by accident. There is a two-foot barrier and then a stretch of grass about ten yards wide before the cliff edge."

Alan Lawless, steward of Souter Lighthouse, said: "It is very sad that this young girl has died like this.

"We have no idea what has happened to her other than that she was found at the foot of the cliff."

A floral tribute from Miss Graham's grandmother was tied to the railings above the spot where she died.

Police last night said that the driver of a white Corsa car who they had been trying to trace had come forward following appeals through the media.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0191-454 7555.