THE devastated family of a teenager who was found hanging in her bedroom have paid tribute to "a wonderful girl".

Police have said there was nothing to suggest Stacey Harris was being bullied or was depressed, and in the days leading up to her death she was her usual happy self.

The 13-year-old was found unconscious in her bedroom at 11pm on Friday night and was pronounced dead at 11.33pm in Hereford Hospital.

Stacey's mum Wendy, from Wessington Drive in Hereford, said her football-mad daughter was a very special girl who was just beginning to blossom into a beautiful young woman.

"We have spent the last few days going over and over the 'if onlys' and the 'whys', but we know that it won't bring Stacey back," she said.

"Our emotions are so raw and our loss so deep that I know we will never get over losing our gorgeous daughter, who was a treasured sister, beloved grand-daughter and good friend to so man," she added.

Dad David said Stacey was a popular girl with a strong will and determined character.

"She was never frightened to stand up for herself, had a terrific sense of humour and was great fun to be with."

Stacey's headteacher Steve Byatt, from Aylestone High School, broke the news to her Year 8 friends during a special assembly on Monday morning.

"The school is devastated by her death. Pupils and staff are in shock at this young life which has been cut short," added Mr Byatt.

"She was a cheerful, confident teenager with an enormous sense of humour who loved her football and will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched."

Hereford Police are treating the death as unexplained and officers are continuing their enquiries to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. An inquest will be held at a date to be fixed.