TRIBUTES have been paid to a young woman whose body was discovered in Hampshire woodland.

Bouquets of flowers and notes of condolence cover a bench off Woodley Lane in Romsey where the 19-year-old woman was found.

One of the messages left at the scene said: “Words cannot even begin to describe how much I will miss you.”

Residents awoke to find forensic officers combing a wooded area at the newly-built Abbotswood Estate.

Several police officers were at the scene following the discovery at 6.13am and the area opposite Cavendish Close was cordoned off for four hours.

A spokeswoman confirmed the death was being treated as non-suspicious.

She added: “Officers attended the scene and investigations into the exact circumstances of her death are ongoing.

“Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.”

The identity of the woman has not yet been released.

Several passers-by offered their condolences to the young woman’s family following her death on Thursday.

Samantha Childs, of Cupernham, spoke of her shock.She said: “I cannot stop thinking about what her family must be feeling,” she said. “My son is only young, but I couldn’t imagine losing him in such a way. I think, as a town, we need to be strong for her friends and family, even though we don’t know who she is.”

A fellow resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I have a daughter of similar age and I cannot even imagine what this girl’s parents are feeling. My thoughts are with them.”

Other residents took to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers. One said: “Heartbreaking! Poor, poor girl. Love and strength to her family and friends.”