Family's heartbreak after girl found dead in water

The family of a 16-year-old girl found dead after getting into difficulty in open water in Warwickshire say they "will be forever heartbroken".

Lillianna Tomlinson, a Year 11 pupil at Kingsbury School, went into the River Tame close to Kingsbury Water Park, near Tamworth, on 25 May.

Emergency services were called to the river on Bodymoor Heath Lane in Kingsbury just before 18:10 BST and her body was recovered after about an hour of searches, Warwickshire Police said.

There have been at least 15 water-related deaths in the UK during the recent heatwave.

Speaking through police, the family said: "We're deeply saddened to be writing that Lillianna's life has been taken in the most tragic way.

"Our family is completely devastated and will be forever heartbroken."

The family added they sincerely thanked "our community for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to us, and for sharing in our grief - it means more than words can express".

"During this incredibly difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we come to terms with what has happened."

The school has said support was being put in place for students, including access to pastoral and safeguarding staff, bereavement support, and drop-in sessions with the school nurse team.

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