MEMBERS of the community came together on Saturday night in memory of Lauren Lelonek who died on Friday afternoon.

Family, friends and community members paid their respects to Lauren, 16, by releasing Chinese lanterns and balloons on the playing fields adjacent to Belmont Road.

Lauren was found dead at her family home in Braemer Avenue, Rudheath.

Today, the University of Chester Academy Northwich, which Lauren attended, will honour the teenager with a number of remembrance assemblies.

A message on the school’s website said: “It is with great sadness that I have to inform you about the death of one of our students, Lauren Lelonek.

“At this difficult time please keep Lauren, her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

“On Monday and throughout the forthcoming weeks we will have trained counsellors at the academy to help and support everyone through this difficult time.

“Special assemblies will be held for all students at the times below on Monday starting with a remembrance assembly for Year 11. There will also be a book of condolences open at the academy.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Lauren’s death.

There have been widespread allegations on social media that Lauren had been the victim of bullying.

Speaking on Friday, a police spokesman said: “At 3.40pm police were called by ambulance to an address in Braemar Avenue, Northwich, in support of paramedics responding to a female casualty.

"Sadly a teenager – who has been named as Lauren Lelonek, aged 16 – was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file will prepared for the coroner.”

Sian Smith, 18, set up a JustGiving page in memory of Lauren. Almost £1,000 has been raised so far.

“I set up this group because I just wanted to do a good thing,” Sian told the Guardian. “I just wanted to do something to show her family that Lauren was not alone and was loved by so many.

“I have a younger sister and I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if I had lost her, so words can't even describe how her family and closest friends are feeling.

“It's so overwhelming how so many people are coming together to pay their respects to Lauren and her family and are raising money for them.

“I know Lauren is looking down on everyone and smiling.”

Click here to donate.