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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Beth Abbit

Tributes to 'much-loved and respected' schoolgirl Imogen Tothill after body discovered in woodland

Tributes have been paid to "much-loved and respected" teenager Imogen Tothill.

Police launched a search for the 17-year-old when she went missing from her home in Holmes Chapel earlier this week.

Her body was discovered in a wooded area near Ravenscroft, in Cheshire, on Wednesday (January 9), police confirmed.

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Staff at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College say the loss of the Year 12 pupil "will be felt by so many students and teachers", Cheshire Live reports .

They are inviting people to leave floral tributes in memory of Imogen outside the main reception.

"It is with great regret and sadness that I have to inform you that police have now confirmed that the body of Imogen Tothill was found earlier today,“ the school said in a statement.

"They tell us that Imogen was found in a wooded area near Ravenscroft and that her death is not believed to be suspicious. They have also told us that specialist officers are supporting Imogen’s family.

"This is obviously the most tragic news, Imogen was a much loved and respected member of our school community and her loss will be felt by so many students and teachers.

"Our most heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with Imogen’s family and friends. We will offer whatever help and support possible.

"Anyone who wishes to leave floral tributes in memory of Imogen are welcome to do so outside of the main school reception."

Imogen vanished on Tuesday and was reported missing after failing to return home.

But the search ended in tragedy after a body was found about four miles from her home, in a woodland in a village near Middlewich.

In a statement Cheshire Constabulary said: "Officers searching for a missing teenage girl from Holmes Chapel have sadly found a body.

"The body was discovered in a wooded area near to Ravenscroft earlier today, Wednesday 9 February.

"Formal identification has not yet taken place, but it is believed to be that of missing teenager Imogen Tothill.

"Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

"Her death is not believed to be suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner. Our thoughts are with Imogen’s family at this difficult time."

Imogen had last been seen wearing a black hoody and dark trousers; she was also carrying a black rucksack.

Earlier on Tuesday Detective Chief Inspector David Moores said officers had been searching for Imogen throughout the night.

He had described her disappearance as “totally out of character".

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