A 17-YEAR-OLD girl who was found with a fractured skull has died.

Shannon Aspin was described as ‘brainy’, ‘generous’ and someone who ‘brought joy and happiness to everyone’ by her family.

The teenager was found with a fractured skull at a house in St Gabriel’s Avenue, Blackburn at around 8.20pm on Thursday.

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She was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital for specialist treatment but died on Tuesday night.

Shannon’s best friend Helena Louise Smith said: “She was like my sister. She was so kind. She was always there for anybody who needed her.

"She looked after me for all the time I knew her. She was happy all the time. Even when she was going through bad stuff she was a fighter. I am just so devastated that she has gone.”

In a statement, her family, said: “Shannon was a generous person who was full of life and brought joy and happiness to everyone that knew her.

“She was like Tigger, she never sat still, full of life, laughter and energy.

“Shannon was looking forward to starting a new job and apprenticeship.

“She was a hard worker having got her first job at the age of 13.

“She excelled at school and was very brainy. She was an outstanding pupil.

“Shannon was determined in every aspect of life and was extremely strong willed.

“She was a beautiful person inside and out.

“She was genuine and had so much love to give. She had so much potential and a bright future ahead of her.”

Detectives said they are continuing to investigate how Shannon came about her injuries and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

A 21-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested on suspicion of assault prior to her death and has been released on bail until October 21.

Police said that earlier on Thursday evening Shannon had been seen arguing with a man on Rutland Close, Clayton-Le-Moors.

Det Insp Julie Cross said: “This is a tragic incident involving the very sad death of Shannon and my thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

“We are continuing our investigation to establish exactly has happened to Shannon and how she came about her injury.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen her on the evening of Thursday, July 28 or who has any information at all, no matter how small or trivial you think it might be, to contact us as soon as possible.”

A post mortem examination to establish the exact cause of Shannon’s death is set to take place in the next few days.

Hundreds of friends of the popular teenager have left tributes on a special page set up in Shannon’s honour called ‘pray for Shannon Aspin’.

Jeanett Roots posted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

“May your beautiful memories of Shannon sustain and bring comfort to you during this difficult time. RIP gorgeous girl.”

Courtney-Paige Scotty said: “Rest in paradise princess.

“My thoughts go out to your friends and family at this sad time.

“You’ll be missed by so many.”

Kelsie Jones said: “RIP beautiful. Shouldn’t have flew away so early but hey God takes the best. Sleep right princess!xxxxxxx.”

Jodie McCreath said: “I can’t believe this Shannon. I love you RIP babe xxx.”

Declan Hardy Hawthornthwaite said: “RIP Shannon such a cruel world we live in.

“No-one deserves to go at such a young age.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting log 1351 of 29th July.