Tributes paid to Ashli Blake, 15, who was found dead at Hampshire beauty spot

Ashli Blake, whose body was discovered by a member of the public, was described as a “delightful, caring and mature young lady” who was well respected by all who knew her.

Staff at The Burgate School in Fordingbridge, where Ashli was a pupil, have cancelled two prize-giving assemblies following her death.

Police have launched an investigation into Ashli’s death but say they are not treating it as suspicious.

Ashli’s body was discovered on private land close to the Eyre Coote Monument, near Rockbourne, by a member of the public in the early hours of Sunday.

It came just days after she used a social networking site to reveal she was deeply unhappy and felt her life was “falling apart”.

A Burgate School spokesman said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news that one of our Year 11 students has died.

“Ashli Blake was an absolutely delightful, caring and mature young lady. She was working hard at school and was very well regarded and respected by staff and students alike.

“The school is pulling together as a community and supporting each other. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ashli’s family at this most difficult time.”

In a letter to parents head teacher David Pover (above) said: “It is with genuine sadness we find ourselves sharing some upsetting news.

“We have been informed of a tragic incident involving one of our Year 11 students which occurred over the weekend. This will impact on the whole community.

“Our focus is on the support and care of all our students and staff during what I am sure is going to be a difficult few days and weeks ahead.

“To this end it is necessary to cancel both Year 10 and Year 11 prize-giving assemblies this week.

“These events will be rearranged later in the term. We appreciate your understanding as we come together to support our whole school community.”

The mayor of Fordingbridge, Councillor Malcolm Connolly, added: “The loss of a life is always tragic, particularly when it involves the death of a 15-year-old.

“My sympathy and that of my fellow town councillors and many residents goes out to the family concerned.”

Ashli, who lived in Alderholt on the Hampshire-Dorset border, died just days after the start of the new school year.

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out tomorrow to determine the exact cause of death, and an inquest will be held.

A police spokesman said: “We can confirm police received a call during the early hours of Sunday morning about the death of a teenage girl.

“Detectives are not treating the death as suspicious.”

It is the second time in 18 months that The Burgate School has been in mourning following the death of a pupil.

Last year, Ross Haughey, 17, was found dead in the New Forest 72 hours after he disappeared from his Frogham home.