The school attended by Wenjing Xu, the 16-year-old who died after an incident in an Ynyswen street, has paid an emotional tribute to the "extremely hard working" and "passionate pupil".
The Treorchy Comprehensive School pupil was involved in the incident in Rhondda at midday on Friday. A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder and a 38-year-old man has also been arrested in connection with the incident. Both remain in hospital.
Paying tribute to Wenjing, who was studying for her GCSEs, Treorchy Comprehensive School expressed sadness at her sudden and tragic death, and offered particular sympathies to her friendship group in year 11.
The statement said: “Wenjing Lin’s sudden death is a tragedy and has had a devastating impact on our school and, in particular, her friendship group and Year 11. Wenjing’s life, however, will be remembered as a masterclass in how to be the very best version of yourself that you can be.
“The school will remember Wenjing Lin as a positive role model. She was extremely hard working and was in the middle of studying for her GCSEs and had ambitions to go on to study psychology and maths and further maths at A-Level.
“Wenjing took an active part in school life, travelling to Patagonia and being part of the school’s Combined Cadet Force, where she made many friends, who will remember her dry sense of humour and a person who inspired many others.
“She was also, however, a very responsible pupil who managed to combine her academic ambitions with a real commitment to support her family business.
“Wenjing was an honest and passionate pupil, who believed that it was important to always stand up for what you believe in. She was at the heart of her circle of friends, who shared a belief in being kind, passionate, and ambitious; but, most importantly, being true to yourself.
“The school is working with outside agencies to support all those impacted by this tragedy. Students in Year 11 and across other year groups have already had access to immediate support, and this will continue with the support of trained counsellors during the weeks ahead.”
A murder investigation was launched following the death on Friday, and police have appealed for drivers with dashcam footage of the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
In a statement released by South Wales Police, Wenjing Xu's family said: "Wenjing had a very gentle soul, she was a very quiet person. Wenjing helped the whole family, working in the family takeaway. She enjoyed school and worked very hard. She was loved by her family."
Witnesses or anybody with information on the incident can submit it using the Major Investigations Public Portal here.
Alternatively, they can contact South Wales Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence *077519.
