THE family of a schoolgirl whose burned body was found at her home in east Dorset last week have paid tribute to her.

The body of 15-year-old Rebecca ‘Rebe’ Berry was found by her family on the outskirts of the village of Edmondsham, near Verwood, at around 9.18pm on December 1.

Rebe, a Year 10 student at the Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne, lived on a farm with her mother Gill and step-father Scott.

In a statement, her family said: “We as a family are pulling together to help each other cope with the devastating loss of our beautiful girl and are gathering strength from each other to guide us through this time.

“We would like to thank friends and the village community for their continuing support and kind words.

“The family would like to encourage people to lay floral tributes at Edmondsham Pump to pay their respects to Rebe.”

Detective Inspector Joe Williams, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The circumstances of Rebe’s death are not suspicious and Dorset Police is carrying out an investigation on behalf of HM Coroner.

“My thoughts go to Rebe’s family at this very sad time and I would ask people to please respect their privacy.”

A spokesperson said a post mortem had been held, and an inquest was expected to be opened and adjourned this week.

“All relevant multi-agency partners are involved in the investigation into the circumstances of this tragic death,” she said.

Many friends took to Facebook to express their grief.

Ella-J Henderson posted: “Forever in my heart, my beautiful”, and Megan Amber Howell wrote: “You’re my beautiful angel. And will always be in my heart. I love you R.I.P”.

Floral tributes have been left at an old water pump in the village, and Christmas lights were switched off by residents as a mark of respect.

The headteacher at QE Martin McLeman said: “This has been a terrible week for Rebecca’s family and an exceptionally difficult week for the whole of our school community, since we heard about Rebecca’s death.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this very sad time.

“She will be greatly missed by everyone at the school.”

He said county council educational psychologists would be providing counselling and support to students and staff who needed it.

A message written by the head has also been posted onto the school’s website.

“It is with deep regret that I write to advise you of the death of one of our Year 10 girls,” it reads.

“I have advised all Year 10 students at school this morning and they may need the support of their families when they return home this evening and over the coming weeks.”

A neighbour in Edmondsham, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “She was a lovely young girl, very friendly. The whole village is very upset.”

Firefighters from Cranborne and an ambulance crew also attended the scene.