THE inquest into the unexplained death of a young woman found in a Hampshire estate has been opened.

The body of 19-year-old Elladine Gale was discovered near a bus stop in Romsey on August 17.

The former Mountbatten School pupil, known as Ella to her friends, was said to have been found on a bench near to the newly-built Abbotswood Estate on Cavendish Close.

Friends, family and Romsey residents all paid tribute to the teenager by leaving bouquets of flowers at the scene.

Hundreds of balloons were also released in the young woman's memory, described by many as the "perfect send off" for the "perfect girl".

The inquest will be held from 2pm on January 16 next year at Winchester Coroner's Court.

As reported last month, residents of Woodley Road awoke on August 17 to find forensic officers combing a wooded area next to a bus stop.

Several police officers were at the scene, near to the newly-built Abbotswood Estate, following the discovery of the 19-year-old at 6.13am on Thursday.

Police cordoned off the area opposite Cavendish Close for four hours.

After police left the scene 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 been released.

Police could also not confirm where exactly the young woman was found, after suggestions on social media that she was discovered on a bench.

Several passers-by offered their condolences to the young woman’s family following the announcement of the tragic news.

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.”