THE BODY of a 15-year-old schoolgirl has been found on a canal barge at a local wharf.
Tragic Fallibroome High pupil Charlene Coates, of Devon Close, Macclesfield - who was planning to be a hairdresser - is believed to have died after taking methadone.
A 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of supplying the heroin substitute but was later released without charge. She was bailed by police to a later date while inquiries continue.
Charlene's heartbroken mum Sharon Coates said this week: "We love her and want her to come back. She was fun-loving, affectionate, caring and beautiful in every way."
Special assemblies have been held at the school and shocked pupils have been offered counselling while they try to come to terms with the death of their fellow student.
Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg opened and adjourned an inquest into the death. A post mortem proved inconclusive and a cause of death has not been established. The coroner is now awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
Peter Rubery, headteacher at Fallibroome High School, said yesterday (Tuesday): "We were shocked by the news of Charlene's tragic death.
"Charlene was a child who sometimes didn't find school easy, but was motivated by undertaking a hairdressing course at Macclesfield College and had her future clearly mapped out.
"We saw the best of her during her recent work experience which she undertook at the school where she displayed qualities of commitment and was a considerable help to the office staff.
"We extend our sympathy and support to Charlene's family at this difficult time."
Charlene's body was found on a barge at the Brook Street canal wharf at 11.22am on Sunday, August 19. The Year 11 pupil had been at Fallibroome High School throughout her school life from Year Seven.
