Outpouring of love and grief as tributes paid to Cali Smith, teenager found dead near footpath

Emotional tributes have been paid to a 'lovely' teenager with 'the kindest heart', who was found dead in Bury.

Cali Smith's body was discovered in an area off the Kirklees Trail, near to Brandle Avenue, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, police have said.

Following her death, tributes to the popular 19-year-old have streamed in on social media.

The outpouring of love has been led by Cali's sister, Ashleigh Smith.

Cali Smith has been described as a 'lovely, bubbly person' (Family handout)

In an emotional Facebook post, which she has given permission to be shared here, she said: "R.I.P to my gorgeous baby sister... Now you can be at peace with no pain...

"I love you more than ever Callie. I will always think about you every second of the day!! You was sooo 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... My little Barbie twinny. I'm gonna miss you Callie."

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News on Thursday, Ashleigh paid a further tribute to her sister.

She said: "She was such a lovely bubbly person, full of energy.

"Had such swagger in everything she wore. She was a groovy chick.

Tributes have poured in to Cali Smith following her death (Family handout)

"She had the kindest heart, so caring. And loved her family ever so much.

"I loved her so so much and still do. She was the bestest sister ever. And we had the most perfect childhood together."

Friends and loved ones have organised a balloon release in memory of Cali at Heaton Park at 5pm today (Thursday).

Anyone wishing to pay their respects is invited to attend.

Tributes have also flowed in on Twitter, with friends sharing their memories of the former Parrenthorn High School pupil.

Cali's body was discovered near to the Kirklees Trail, in Bury (MEN)

Katie Scott-Holmes said: "Still in shock but RIP Cali such a beautiful soul!

"Had nothing but nice things to say whenever we spoke and always made me laugh u will be missed by everyone. Thoughts are with her family and friends."

Gabe Curran tweeted: "Rest easy r kid you’ll be missed a lot more than you’ll ever know. I just wish you knew how much you mean to everybody.

"Best believe I’ll be bumping your Spotify playlist till the day I die."