A girl, 17, who fell from a bridge over the A56 has been described as "beautiful and popular" by her family.

Rachel Collins, from Rawtenstall, died after she fell from the A56 in Haslingden just after 1pm yesterday.

The teenager was a student at Haslingden High School.

Her family have said: “Rachel was a beautiful and popular girl who is missed and loved by family and friends.”

The family has asked for privacy at this difficult time.

Detective sergeant Melissa Kelly said: “These are tragic circumstances and first and foremost our thoughts are very much with Rachel’s family and friends.

“We do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and a file will be passed to the coroner in due course.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Flowers left at the scene

Mark Jackson, headteacher at Haslingden High School, paid tribute.

He said: "We were all extremely saddened to hear this news.

"It has come as a tremendous shock to everyone in school.

"This has hit us hard and Rachel will be greatly missed.

"Rachel was intelligent and hard-working and had a network of close friends.

"She contributed hugely to our school community.

"She firmly believed in equality for everyone and was never a young person who would follow the crowd.

"She was a very keen and talented linguist, and especially loved learning about different cultures and societies.

"We are working with colleagues at Lancashire County Council so that appropriate support is available to our children and colleagues in school, if this is required.

"All our thoughts are with her family and friends as they come to terms with this very sad loss."

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet been spoken to by police is asked to contact them on 101, quoting log number 674 of October 14.