THE devastated family and friends of Linda Lietaviete have paid tribute to “an angel who made everyone laugh.”

The 16-year-old Bournemouth and Poole College student will be remembered for her happy, cheerful personality and her willingness to do anything for anyone.

She was found dead at Horseshoe Common in the early hours of Friday morning.

Linda is originally from Latvia but moved to Bournemouth with her family around five years ago. She was a popular pupil at Glenmoor School, where she achieved a string of good GCSE passes, and was the youngest person on a business administration course at Bournemouth and Poole College.

She was also a keen and enthusiastic member of the Army Cadet Force and was looking forward to learning to drive next year.

Her family and friends describe her as a determined, hard-working girl who touched the lives of all who knew her. She had previously volunteered at Naomi House for three months.

“She always made us laugh - always,” said one friend, speaking from the Bournemouth home Linda shared with her mother and one of her sisters. “I have no bad memories of her, I've never even seen her upset or angry, she was always smiling.

“She had her whole life in front of her and was determined to do something with it. She had a lot of plans.

“She never thought about herself, she was so caring and was helpful and supportive to everyone she met. She was like an angel who was smiling all the time and made everyone laugh. Everybody's in shock, we don't understand how or who could do something to Linda like that.”

Sign a book of condolence for Linda

Ben Parnell, head of Glenmoor school, said: “She was extremely polite, very articulate, intelligent and just a lovely girl who did really well in her exams.

“We are deeply saddened and appalled by the tragic death of our former pupil and our thoughts and prayers are with Linda's family at this terrible time.

“She was a top kid at our school and it's a big shock for everybody.” He said support and counselling will be given to any children who need it.

Staff at Bournemouth and Poole College also expressed their deep shock and sadness at Linda's death. A statement from the College said: “Linda was a very popular student and has been described within the College, as a joy to teach.

“She had an outstanding attendance record, and got involved in many aspects of student life; she was a student rep and contributed much on behalf of her fellow students. Linda was studying a Level 3 course in Business Administration; her classmates are devastated by the news.

“The College is offering counselling and support to students and staff affected by this terrible loss, and our thoughts are with Linda's family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We will continue to work closely with the police, affording them every assistance possible.”