Teenage girl found hanged in Lancashire

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old girl who was found hanging at her home.

Aimee Critchley, a pupil at All Hallows High School in Penwortham, near Preston in Lancashire, was found at her home in Leyland early yesterday evening, Lancashire Police said.

She was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by ambulance but pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

A force spokeswoman said: "At approximately 5.15pm yesterday evening, police received a report from the ambulance service that a 13-year-old girl had been found hanging at her home address in Leyland.

"She was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after 6.30pm.

"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is now under way.

"Specially trained police family liaison officers and police staff are offering guidance and support to the family, who are understandably distraught."

Pupils at the girl's school have been told about the death and are being offered specialist support.

Lancashire Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Relatives left tributes to the 13-year-old on Facebook.

Grandmother Christine Critchley wrote: "Today our world is very dark. Yesterday we lost our precious granddaughter Aimee. She is now at peace. God bless her."

Another message from Nathasja Louise Critchley read: "RIP Aimee (Dib) You'll never be forgotten and you'll be sorely missed.. Love always lil sis xxxxxx."

And Andrew James Cross wrote: "Thank you god don't you think I have lost enough this last 12 months r.I.p squidge I will allways love you xxx."

On her Facebook page Aimee had written: "i am 12 going on to 13 i have short brown some times curly some times straight and frekles.i have hazel/green eyes and love makeup i have good style of clothes and like to read most and be creative xx."

She was a fan of pages including I Love My Mum, I Hate Monday Mornings and I Hate Goodbyes.