Tributes to teenage girl killed in Burnley park (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Tributes to teenage girl killed in Burnley park

12:00pm Friday 24th July 2009 in News By Jon Livesey, Reporter

THE adoptive parents of Louise Evans who was brutally murdered in Towneley Park have paid tribute to their “loving and special daughter.”

Speaking for the first time since the 18-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds on Tuesday, the couple said she will be “dearly missed.”

Her adoptive parents, Lorraine and Jeff Evans, said: “Louise was a loving and special daughter who will be dearly missed.”

Last night almost 800 people had joined an Internet group on social networking site Facebook, with many posting tributes.

In addition, a separate group with over 100 members had been formed on Bebo, a similar website.

Hundreds of friends have paid tribute to an “angel” who was killed in Towneley Park.

Almost 500 people have signed up to an internet group on social networking site Facebook in memory of Louise Bethany Evans.

Former school friends of Louise expressed their sadness on the site after she died of multiple knife and head wounds on Tuesday.

She was described as “beautiful” by childhood friends who also recalled memories of days out with the teenager.

One friend has even cited his intention to name his unborn daughter after Louise, who he said was “lovely and sweet”.

Louise attended Park High School, in Colne, until the age of 14 before moving to Haslingden High School.

After leaving school, Louise attended a childcare course at Accrington and Rossendale College from September 2007 until November 2008.

Harry Tallon, vice principal at the college, said: “Whilst at the college Louise studied hard and progressed well, whilst also forming great relationships with a close circle of friends.

“She was always eager to be involved in college activities and was an active member of the Student Council.

“Louise was very popular amongst students and staff and was always a smiling face around the campus.

“The loss of any life is a great tragedy and Louise was a young girl that had her whole future ahead of her.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the people close to her.”

The Facebook group in Louise’s memory was set up just 36 hours after she died by her friends from Haslingden High School.

One friend described Louise as a “true loyal friend” who will be “sadly missed.”

Another added: “I can't believe it. It just doesn't seem real. Louise was such a lovely girl.

“I hadn't seen her for too long and really wish I'd managed to keep in touch.

“She was always smiling, never bitter, despite the hard start she'd already had - a beautiful girl.”

One of the other group members said: “You could always guarantee Louise would make you laugh with certain things she would say.

Many of the friends and family who posted comments on the group also said Louise will be “at peace” now.

One said: “At least your safe with the angels now.”

The comments also document tales of trips with Louise ice skating in Blackburn or to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Another of Louise’s old friends at Park High School described how she had been an intelligent girl who was always in the top sets.

At the time Louise is understood to have been living in a care home in Colne.

Many of those who knew Louise made reference to her “hard life” growing up in different foster families and being a target for bullies.

They described how she did very well at school and had a “bright future” ahead of her.

A shrine, consisting of flowers and teddy bears, was beginning to form close to the murder scene in secluded woodland behind Towneley Hall.