FRIENDS, family and the community are rallying round to support the family of a 17-year-old girl who died after being found with a fractured skull.

Shannon Aspin, described as “vibrant, clever and kind”, died on Tuesday after being discovered with injuries at a house in St Gabriel’s Avenue, Blackburn, five days earlier.

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Since her passing, there has been an outpouring of grief for the teenager, with friends and strangers alike wishing to assist and support Shannon’s family during their ordeal.

Family friend Lorraine Haworth, 48, has set up a crowdfunding appeal to raise £3,000 to “help the family of Shannon with funeral costs and permanent memorial if funds allow”.

Lorraine, who used to work at Intack Social Club with Shannon’s mum, Bernie, said: “Shannon was a shining light to all her knew her – a livewire who was clever, funny, hardworking and so full of energy.

“Her parents, Bernie and Tony, are understandably devastated and our intention is to make things a little more comfortable for them. We would like to help them with the funeral costs.

“She was a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to many.

“Her life was cut short in the most painful, heartbreaking tragedy.”

The page has already raised aboutmore almost £400.

Carole Davies, who is the licensee of the Clifton Arms in Grimshaw Park, is organising the pubs and clubs of the town in a fundraising drive for Shannon’s family.

She said: “Shannon recently came to the Clifton to attend her mum’s birthday party.

“My memory of her will be of a energetic and fun-loving girl who loved spending time with her family and was a joy to be around.

“I’ve had fundraising football cards printed and a £400 surplus from a previous charity event to buy an electric wheelchair for someone has been donated.”

So far, the Clifton Arms, Longshaw WMC, the Ivy, the Brown Cow, the White Bull, the Navigation and the Sun Inn have agreed to help.

Any other pubs, clubs or groups who wish to help can obtain the cards from Carole by calling 01254 672529.

The crowdfunding page can be found at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/lorraine-haworth.

Detectives said they are continuing to investigate how Shannon sustained 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.

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