Tragic, shocking and completely unexpected is how neighbours have described the death of a 17-year-old girl in Oxted.
Detectives from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team have launched a murder investigation after the girl's body was discovered at an address in Amy Road yesterday (Fri).
Now neighbours have spoken of their shock at the news which they say had been completely unexpected on a quiet street in the town.
"We're just a sleepy suburban street," said one neighbour. "It's totally unexpected and I think it's just so tragic. The local residents send their condolences to the family."
Another neighbour, Sharon May, added: "I'm quite shocked, especially as it's on our road. It's absolutely shocking. It really hits you so close to home and it seems so unbelievable in this little village."
Officers were called to the address at about 5.20pm yesterday and the scene remains cordoned off while the investigation continues.
Chris Plumridge, who was visiting his mother in Amy Road when police arrived, described how he felt when he heard the news.
"It's just tragic. It's just extremely sad and it's very tragic. There're some parents now who must be absolutely beside themselves," he added. "Unless you've been through something like that you just don't know the hell it must be."
Roger Oldfield, whose daughter lives in the street, said: "You don't expect it. It's a very tragic thing."
A local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said he had known the girl's family and described them as lovely people who were very sweet.
Another neighbour said simply: "You just think about the poor family.'
A 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody while the investigation continues.
