TRIBUTES have been paid to a "talented and popular" Wiltshire teenager who was found dead on Friday.

Ellie Gould, 17, was discovered at her home in Springfield Drive, Calne.

Today, a 17-year-old boy was charged with murder and will appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court tomorrow, May 7.

Now Hardenhuish School has paid tribute to the student.

In a statement, it said: "The Hardenhuish community is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ellie Gould.

"Ellie was a talented, popular and much loved member of our school community who will be dearly missed.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Ellie’s family at this devastating time.

"We recognise that the coming days and months will be difficult for us all and we are determined to support each other with the help of our partner agencies.

"Further details of this support will be shared directly with our pupils and parents."

Since the news, there has been an outpouring of grief in the town from friends and neighbours while many have taken to social media to express their shock.

The mayor of the town Cllr Glenis Ansell said this on behalf the council: "On behalf of the Town Council I send our deepest condolences to the family of the young girl who lost her life so tragically on Friday.

"Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time and I know that the thoughts and prayers of our community are with you. “

On Facebook hundreds of tributes have been paid expressing support and sympathy for the family as well shock at the loss of such a young life.

The ambulance service were called to Ellie's home in Springfield Drive, Calne, shortly before 3.15pm on Friday May 3.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following initial enquiries, a 17-year-old male was arrested in the Chippenham area on suspicion of murder yesterday afternoon. He remains in custody at this time.

Superintendent Conway Duncan said: “The thoughts of everyone at Wiltshire Police are with the family of the victim at what must be a devastating time for them.

“They are receiving support from specially trained officers and we will continue to do everything we can to help them come to terms with what has happened.

“This investigation is still in its early stages but I would like to reassure the local community that a robust police response was launched yesterday and will continue in the days to come.

“People in Calne are likely to see a significant police presence in the area over the weekend as our enquiries progress.

“If anyone in the local area has any concerns, please approach one of the officers on patrol or at the cordon and they will be happy to answer your questions if appropriate to do so.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the police on 101 and quote log number 176 of May 3.