Headmistress of Guildford High School has paid tribute to 14-year-old student Ava Anthony who was found dead with her mother in their flat on June 29, 2015.
The deceased, 47-year-old Lisa Anthony and daughter Ava Anthony, were found dead in their home on Simmons Gate by police after concerns were raised about their whereabouts.
Fiona Boulton, Headmistress of Guildford High School said: “Everybody here is shocked and deeply saddened by this horrific news. Ava was a wonderful, charming girl who was a genuine pleasure to know and to teach.
“She had a love of life that enriched everyone around her and a wonderful smile that could fill a room. Her talents were numerous, not least in drama and the performing arts but above all she was a warm and generous girl who was popular, fun and a delight to be with.
“We are a close knit school community and we mourn her together and this tragic end to such a short life full of potential.”
A post-mortem on the body believed to be Lisa Anthony gave the result of compression of the neck but the results on the body believed to be Ava Anthony await further analysis.
The family of Lisa and Ava Anthony said: “Following the tragic news that we received on Monday the only word to describe how the family is feeling is heartbroken.
“We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve for Lisa and Ava in peace whilst we try to understand what has happened.”
The deceased were last seen on June 17 and officers are asking anyone who has been in contact with them since then to get in contact so they can identify the circumstances around their death.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, said: “The last confirmed sighting we have of Lisa and Ava is Wednesday, June 17 and I would appeal to anyone who has seen or heard from either of them after this date to contact officers with information.
“This is a tragic incident where lives have been lost and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this time.”
The deaths are currently being linked to the death of a man in his 50s which occurred in the Aix ex Provence area of Southern France on Sunday, June 28 and officers are working alongside the French Gendarmerie as part of their investigation, however police do not believe there is a greater threat to the community.
Officers are currently making a number of enquiries in the area and are asking anyone with information which may assist their investigation to contact Surrey Police quoting Operation Caribou.
Photo copyright Oliver White and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.