A STUDENT found dead in Salisbury on Wednesday had complained of being bullied about her gender identity.

The body of Gabriel Tinto, aged 51, was found near Five Rivers Leisure Centre in Hulse Road at around 7.15am.

The transgender woman had recently posted on Facebook that she was being bullied at Wiltshire College, where she studied psychology as a mature student.

On October 13, she posted: "Getting frustrated about my voice again, it's the first thing people judge me by and instantly marks me as trans and the most common reason my gender is questioned. So isolating and nothing I can do to change it. I feel hopeless and angry about it, I'm instantly judged and there is nothing I can do to make people see further.

And, later that night, she wrote: "I am starting to believe the insults. I am tired and I can't see a happy ever after."

Amid messages of support from friends, Gabriel revealed: "I got more abuse Wednesday and I am having issues because of it," before adding: "Excluding 8 students won’t change their opinions though, educating them might."

Wiltshire College principal Amanda Burnside said everyone at the college was shocked and saddened by the news, adding that Gabriel had been very popular among her fellow students.

Ms Burnside said Gabriel had made an official complaint about bullying on October 13, but had been clear that only one person had been involved.

The college was investigating the complaint and had emailed Gabriel with an update yesterday (Thursday), unaware of what had happened, Ms Burnside said.

As far as she was aware, it was the first time Gabriel had reported being bullied, she said.

Wiltshire College has a lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) group and does all it can to support students of all sexual orientations, Ms Burnside added.

It is understood dog walkers discovered Gabriel's body hanged from a tree near the leisure centre and raised the alarm.

Her family have been informed.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "Police are not treating the death as suspicious however enquiries are ongoing and a file will be prepared on behalf of H M Coroner for Wiltshire.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, or visit a local Samaritans branch.