Schoolgirl, 14, who died in beach horror ‘was Ukrainian refugee staying with local family after fleeing Russian war’
A SCHOOLGIRL who died after being found unconscious on a beach was a Ukrainian refugee staying with a local family after fleeing Vladimir Putin's war, it is understood.
The 14-year-old girl was reported missing from Dawlish, , before she was discovered on a beach in the area on Saturday evening.
She was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where she later died.
It is understood the girl is a Ukrainian refugee who fled Russia's invasion with her mum.
The pair were staying with a family in the town, locals claim.
The girl was a Year 9 pupil at Dawlish College where grieving friends are understood to be receiving specialist support.
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She has been described as a "kind and caring person" by her fellow school pupils.
One student said: "She went to my school. It's so sad, she was a lovely girl."
Another pupil added: "We just got the news at the school I go to because she was a student here and we all think it's horrible.
"She was such a kind and caring person and it is so sad to see her go."
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People living in the area have been left shocked by the teenager's death.
Mayor of Dawlish Lisa Mayne said: "It’s absolutely devastating for people
"You can’t put it properly into words, how it is going to affect our Ukrainian community here.
"They have come here to find safety and now they have to come to terms with a terrible tragedy like this.
"It’s dreadfully sad. Her family needs time to grieve and find out what happened.
"People in Dawlish have been so welcoming. This is terrible news for us too."
Angela Wood, owner of Coast to Coast, said: "I'm shocked and saddened.
"There are quite a few Ukrainian families here.
"As a mother, it is very sad. It's really tragic. When you think of all the trauma they have already gone through it's heartbreaking."
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched an urgent investigation into her "unexplained" death.
A post-mortem will be carried out as well as toxicology tests as the cause of her death is determined.
Formal identification is due to take place but her next of kin have been informed.
Detective Inspector Becky Davies said: "We were called on the evening of Saturday 4 March with reports of a 14-year-old girl missing from the Dawlish area.
"Localised searches took place with support from the police helicopter and coastguard and an unconscious person was found on Dawlish Beach.
"She was subsequently airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she later sadly died. Formal identification has taken place and next of kin have been informed."
DI Davies added: "The deceased girl was a Ukrainian national who was living in the Dawlish area; contact has been made with the Ukrainian Embassy and The Home Office are also aware of this incident.
"This death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries continue as to the circumstances surrounding this death.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenage girl at this tragic time."
Anyone with information about the tragedy is encouraged to contact the force on 101, quoting reference 50230052081.
Those who wish to make an anonymous report can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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The Ukrainian Embassy has been contacted for comment.
The Home Office declined to comment.