Tributes have been paid to a teenager who tragically died after falling ill in a bath at her home.

Blackburn College student Salia Choudry, who was described as a loving daughter with a ‘beautiful’ personality.

Despite desperate attempts to try to resuscitate her, she passed away at the Royal Blackburn Hospital. Afzal Choudry, Salia’s uncle, said her family and friends had been left ‘totally devastated’.

He said: “Salia was an absolutely beautiful child and she had the whole world in front of her.

“Salia touched the hearts of so many people of so many different faiths.”

The former Pleckgate High School pupil had dreamed of working with children after completing her studies.

Salia, passed away during the early hours of February 28 with dozens of friends and family by her side.

Janet Conlon, learning support manager at Pleckgate, said Salia was a ‘fantastic girl’.

She said: “Salia had special needs and so she spent all her time with us and we knew her really well.

“She had a really good sense of humour and she always carried really fancy handbags with her. She used to love getting new clothes.

“Salia was just an absolute delight and a pleasure to have known. She was an inspiration to us and she was always so happy and smiley.

“We are just so shocked and upset and our thoughts are with Salia’s family. I know how doted on she was by her parents.”

Pleckgate headteacher Mark Bradshaw added: “Salia was a happy young lady and we were proud to have her at Pleckgate.

“We were all really sad to hear what happened.”

A tree is to be planted at Blackburn College in Salia’s memory and prayers have also been said at Blackburn Cathedral by family friend Canon Dr Shannon Ledbetter.

Mr Choudry said a post mortem examination had been done, but that the results were inconclusive. The case has now been passed to the coroner.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said: “We were made aware of a sudden death. There were no suspicious circumstances.”