The local community has been left shaken and heartbroken by the alleged murder of Scarlett Vickers, 14, as more tributes poured in for the teenager.

Readers of The Northern Echo have shared their sentiments and expressed grief on social media.

Louise Blakey, was one of those, saying : "So sad R.I.P young lady xx".

As did Rachel Lumley, who said: "Heartbreaking, RIP. Forever young".

Sarah Clare Tyerman said: "RIP gorgeous girly, thinking of all her friends and other family at this heartbreaking time."

"Absolutely heartbreaking, RIP princess forever 14," said Andrea Wilson.

Some, like Ann-Marie Liddle expressed disbelief at the tragedy: "Sweet dreams young lady. This should never have happened".

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Yvonne Gray, echoed this sentiment: "It's a wicked world we live in God bless you, it should never have happened".

Julia Baker also commented saying: "This is horrendous. Poor girl. So sorry."

Sage Piper, remembered Scarlett fondly: "She was such a kind, sweet soul. I love and miss you Scarlett."

Another reader, Melanie Reece, said that Scarlett was "now an angel in gods garden" while Kate McDevitt said "sleep well princess".

Scarlett's parents Simon Vickers and Sarah Hall made a short appearance in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday after being charged with murder.

Detective Superintendent Craig Rudd, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This incident has resulted in the tragic death of a young girl, and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and co-operation while investigative work is still being carried out at the scene, and to reassure residents that we believe this to be an isolated incident.”