Meir student's death not treated as murder
POLICE have completed their search of a flat where the body of an 18-year-old woman was discovered.
Officers had been at Victoria Heaton's home in Leacroft Road, Meir, since Tuesday evening.
A police cordon covering the flat and an adjoining house was lifted at around 2pm yesterday.
In a statement, Staffordshire Police said they were continuing to treat Victoria's death as unexplained, but not as a murder inquiry at this time.
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A post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist on Wednesday was inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.
Inspector Chris Harrington, from Stoke-on-Trent South Local Policing Team, said: "Although we're still awaiting the test results, our inquiries so far lead us to believe that Victoria was not murdered.
"We're continuing to offer support to Victoria's family at this very difficult time for them.
"The investigation is ongoing and forensics officers carried on their work at the flat on Thursday.
"Local uniformed officers remained in the area throughout the day to address any concerns that residents have."
Dozens of flowers have been left outside the former Sandon High and Berry Hill High School student's home by grieving friends and family.
Officers were called to the scene at 5pm on Tuesday by a visitor to the flat who discovered the body.
Police yesterday posted leaflets through the doors of neighbouring properties to update them on their inquiry.
One resident of Leacroft Road, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The police cordon was lifted at about 2pm and the forensics van left earlier in the morning.
"The leaflets said the death was still being treated as unexplained, but they were not looking at is as a murder inquiry.
"We haven't heard anything else, other than they are waiting for the results of some more tests.
"I think my partner feels a bit more reassured now that the police have said it's not a murder."
Another neighbour, who wished to remain nameless, said: "There's been a few more people come to the house to leave flowers and pay their respects.
"It seems strange going from police being at the house all the time to there not being any at all."
More tributes and messages of sympathy were left on Facebook last night.
Related news:
Meir student death: Further tests needed to establish cause of death
Body of woman found in flat sparks police investigation
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Comments
by berrypie5
Sunday, December 18 2011, 1:10AM
“Didn't the first article originally say that her body was badly beaten? But I agree with the rumours thing, I saw them myself, it was horrible to see. My thoughts are with her family and friends, such a sad loss.”
by kerrykinsxo
Saturday, December 17 2011, 10:06PM
“Dont be so cruel!, this young girl was popular its only fair that her family and friends leave her messages and tributes on her profile! least her family can see how well loved she was. so stop bashing everyone that mentioned her name because nearly all were her friends!”
by mousey32
Friday, December 16 2011, 4:41PM
“My condolences go out to the family, what a waste of a young life. x”
by almay
Friday, December 16 2011, 3:14PM
“Hello
Lets just be thankful that it is not murder which can be more difficult for family and loved ones to come to terms with.
Words are very easy to say and now is not the time to start having opinions and lets all allow the family some respect and time to grieve privately.
Kindest Regards
al”
by D_from_stoke
Friday, December 16 2011, 2:11PM
“Well said Stokieoatcake, the police asked people to keep their mouth shut about names and what not... but could they? Nope, they have to go spreading rumors and gossip.. Disgusting.”
by stokieoatcake
Friday, December 16 2011, 1:08PM
“Oh look no comments on this story....what's wrong with the Meir locals? Got no more gossip now it's been confirmed it's not being treated as murder?
The people that spread the gossip as early as an hour after the body was found about murder/rape/beating should hang their heads in shame.
What the family must be going through I can only imagine is like a really bad nightmare and I only hope that it is something I never have to experience. For the close family and friends that had to hear the news through a Facebook rumour is a disgrace. People forget to think about the true feelings of those most closely affected by the death of someone so close which is an awful tragedy that could quite possibly be related to diabetes.
My thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of this young girl and as for the local gossiping wasters....you best start catching up on what you've missed on Jeremy Kyle.”