The family of a 14-year-old girl who died suddenly have urged other youngsters who are suffering from bullying to seek help.

Police were called after the sudden death of Severine Hobbs, of Sawtry, just before 12.30pm on Thursday (May 15).

Shocked friends and family have been posting tributes on a Facebook page set up in the teenager’s memory by best friend Taz Davis.

Her aunt, Aj Bancroft, wrote: “If you or anyone you know are being bullied please, please speak up and talk to someone, whether a teacher, a parent or a friend. Don’t suffer in silence.”

Another aunt, Sarah Bancroft, described Severine as a “beautiful loving person” and also appealed to anyone being bullied to “reach out for help”.

Severine was a pupil at Sawtry Community College and her devastated friends have been sharing their memories of her.

Kayleigh Bayliss posted: “I’ll always remember where we would hang out at Sawtry College at break time. We had some good laughs, you always put your friends first, or people in need.”

Jessica Griffiths described her as “the greatest friend” adding: “I will always remember all the laughs we had.”

Lisa Green, who was Severine’s childminder, remembered “a beautiful, caring and loving child”. She added: “She had the most infectious laugh I’ve ever heard and a beautiful smile.”

A statement from Sawtry Community College said: “Severine will be greatly missed by both students and staff at Sawtry and we would like to share our thoughts and prayers with her family, in what is a very difficult time.

“Severine was an intelligent, caring and generous student. She was a particularly creative girl who showed great potential and talent in art which she thoroughly enjoyed. She worked hard in lessons, showed a high level of commitment to her schoolwork and was very much part of her classes, with a very close and good circle of friends.

“Severine was a helpful young lady who supported others and always encouraged people if they were in difficulties.”

A police spokesman said Severine’s death was not being treated as suspicious. An inquest is due to be opened and adjourned by a coroner.