A 17-year-old girl who died in Oxted on Friday has been named by police as Elizabeth Thomas. A murder investigation was launched after the discovery of the Oxted School pupil's body in Amy Road at about 5.20pm on January 24.
The news of the tragic death has come as a major shock for the town.
Rhona Barnfield, executive head at Oxted School said all the staff and students sent their condolences to the family while they dealt with the tragedy.
In a statement posted on the Oxted School website, she added: "We are deeply saddened and upset by the tragic news about the death of one of our students and we extend our sincere condolences to her family at this very difficult time.
"We have informed our students and made counselling and support available to any of them who have been especially distressed. As a police investigation is ongoing, there is nothing more we can add at this time."
An area behind the Sainsbury's local store was cordoned off on Friday night and Saturday as detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team and forensic officers carried out an investigation.
Neighbours, speaking at the time of the incident, said the news was "tragic, shocking and completely unexpected".
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."
In a statement, East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah said the investigation was "deeply shocking" to Oxted's peaceful community.
A post-mortem carried out at the weekend established the teenager died as a result of a stab wound.
Yesterday (Sun) police sectioned a 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder under the Mental Health Act.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been transferred to a secure hospital while he remains on police bail.
