A MOSSLEY teenager has been named locally as a girl whose death has been followed by a ‘rape and murder’ investigation.
Now friends and family are fundraising to make sure Casey-Louise Horrocks can receive a ‘final journey with dignity.’
A 16-year-old boy who was arrested following the death of the 13-year-old – who is believed to have been a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School – in Huddersfield has been released on conditional police bail.
It is understood Casey-Louise was found unresponsive at a flat on Sheepridge Road in the West Yorkshire town by emergency services just after 11.30pm on Monday, August 11.
A post-mortem was inconclusive and her death, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, is being treated as unexplained.
However, detectives arrested the boy on suspicion of her rape and murder and on suspicion of the rape of another 16-year-old girl in a separate incident elsewhere in the Kirklees area.
And officers described enquiries as ‘complex’ and ‘likely to be lengthy.’
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said “We are continuing to conduct a number of enquiries following the death of a 13-year-old girl following an incident at a flat on Sheepridge Road.
“A post-mortem was not able to determine how she died and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries.
“Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl’s death. Specially trained officers are supporting her family at this time.”
News of Casey-Louise’s death has sent shockwaves through Huddersfield.
The town’s MP, Harpreet Uppal, said: ‘This is a tragic case and my thoughts remain with the 13-year-old teenager and her family and friends.
“I have been in contact with the police and I am being updated on the investigation.”
Tributes from friends in and around Mossley have been flooding in, with one relative writing: “Suddenly and totally unexpected, on Tuesday 12th August our beautiful Casey-Louise gained her angel winds.
“Our family is absolutely devastated by this news. Can you please respect our privacy and give us time to grieve as a family.”
An online appeal has been opened in an attempt to raise £2,600 for Casey-Louise’s family.
Tina Cooper, who established it, said: “Casey was a vibrant happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her.
“Let’s help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.”
*THE online appeal can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/caseylouise.