TWO people have been charged after the death of a Darwen schoolgirl who took a suspected drugs overdose in their flat.

Sally Corkhill, 40, and Lee Harrison, 31, both of Sudell Road, Darwen, were charged with four counts of child abduction and Corkhill has also been charged with supplying a Class C drug.

Inspector Steve Chapman of Lancashire police said that investigations were continuing regarding other offences.

The defendants were due to appear before Blackburn magistrates today.

Melissa Strickson, 13, was found in the Sudell Road flat on Wednesday by her sister Vicky. They had gone missing with two friends from their home in nearby Tythebarn Street on Monday.

She was pronounced dead at hospital.

Police believed the girls had been taking prescription drugs.

Annalise Stockley, 14, also of the Sudell area, was taken to Pendlebury Children's Hospital where she regained consciousness on Saturday and was due to be questioned by police.

Jenny Bradshaw, 11, of Marsh House Lane was also at the house but was unharmed.

Prayers were said at Darwen Moorland High School, where Vicky was a pupil, on Friday and a special assembly was also given for the Year Nine pupil.

A number of pupils sought support from the school counsellor after hearing abut Melissa's death and another counsellor had to be drafted in to help deal with the distressed pupils.

Head of the school Richard Bridges sent a letter to Melissa's parents Victor and Sue and said the school was planning to honour her.