Ref. 28529-11A 16-YEAR-OLD Highworth girl reported missing by her parents at Christmas has been found dead in a filthy squat.

Kate Walsh's body was discovered in a room above a vacant shop in Manchester Road, Swindon.

Police believe the death of the former Warneford School pupil who was described as a lively and cheerful girl by friends was drug-related.

Her parents, Anthony and Debbie, of Eastview, Highworth, were known to be extremely concerned that she was mixing with drug users and had pleaded for help.

They believed their daughter had been led astray by her boyfriend, a 27-year-old man who she met while he was being treated at Highworth's Gloucester House drug rehabilitation centre.

Highworth district councillor Lisa Hawkes (Con, Highworth) described how Mrs Walsh, a former postwoman, came to her for help in November.

Coun Hawkes said: "She was frightened to death that something like this was going to happen to her daughter.

"She was worried because Kate had fallen in love with this man who was much older than her, and she was at a vulnerable age.

"I contacted the police and the council, but there was nothing they could do because she was 16.

"I have nothing but sympathy for the family."

The man was ordered to leave Gloucester House in March last year once the relationship came to the attention of centre manager David Day.

Mr Day said: "After this came to light we decided that from then on anyone involved in an inappropriate relationship with someone in Highworth would be asked to leave."

Kate left Warneford School in June last year following her GCSE exams.

Headteacher John Saunders described her as a popular pupil with a gift for music and drama.

He said: "She was a lively and cheerful girl and I remember her taking part in school concerts.

"This is a terrible tragedy, and the whole school is very shocked.

"Our thoughts are with her family."

Mr and Mrs Walsh were too upset to speak, but neighbours paid tribute to Kate.

Freda Peapell, 80, said: "I knew Kate since she was a little girl.

"She was so nice and polite. It's a terrible shame. We would often sponsor her for various fundraising activities."

It is not clear how long Kate had been living in the squat.

The building had been unoccupied since November, when it was used as a temporary fireworks shop called Explosions.

Rahim Nenshi, from Blunsdon, who owns the building, said: "Neighbours said squatters had got in and a friend discovered the body when he went round to board the place up. He is still very shaken up. We have had trouble with squatters at the property next door. We often find needles in the area."

Malcolm Cookson, 49, who lives next door to the squat, said: "I didn't know anyone was in there, they were very quiet.

"I can't believe anyone would want to live there as it's in such a state."

Police are not treating Kate's death as suspicious, but they are trying to piece together her last movements.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw her in the Manchester Road area between December 22, when she was last seen by her parents, and January 4, when her body was found.

Her parents reported her missing on December 30.

A post mortem has been carried out and an inquest is due to be opened shortly.

Anyone with information should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Tamash Lal