TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager with a "beautiful soul" who was found dead in Bury.

Cali Smith's body was discovered close to Brandle Avenue in Tottington in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Leading the tributes online, her sister, Ashleigh Smith, said: "Yesterday I lost my little sister. R.I.P to my gorgeous baby sister.Now you can be at peace with no pain.You have nana, Sasha, and grandad.

"I love you more than ever Callie. I will always think about you every second of the day. You were so beautiful but, now like I said, you can finally be happy and be at peace without the stupid demons.

"I love you more than you ever knew."

Hundreds of tributes were posted to Twitter, with her name briefly 'trending' in the UK, such was the outpouring of grief.

Nineteen-year-old Cali, who had been a student at Parrenthorn High School, was called a "beautiful soul" in one tribute.

Another person said: "It speaks volumes as a person when tributes of them trend across the nation! I never knew Cali, but it feels like a loss on my part from all of the positive comments about her.

"Let’s honour her legacy by caring for those who need us most. RIP, Cali—rest peacefully."

Another said: "Our Cali taking the nation by storm!! If only she knew."

Caitlan Allsop said: "My heart hurts so much.I didn’t speak to her often, but when I did she was always so so lovely. A beautiful girl taken way to soon.

"Sending all my love to her close friend and family. RIP Cali xxx."

Comedian Paul Chuckle also joined in with the tributes, saying: "RIP Cali and only 19."

A spokesman  for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called to Brandle Avenue, near to the Kirklees Trail, at around 1.10am this morning to reports of concern for the welfare of a woman.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, police confirmed. A file has been passed to the coroner."

Ashleigh said that balloons would be set off today in Heaton Park at 5pm in tribute to her sister.