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Inquest to be held nearly four years on from teenage girl's tragic death

Leah Barber <i>(Image: West Yorkshire Police)</i>
Leah Barber (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

AN inquest date has been set following the tragic death of a teenage girl nearly four years ago.

There was heartbreak in June 2019 when police found a body in the search for missing 15-year-old Leah Barber, from Shipley.

At the time, West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers searching for missing Leah Barber from Shipley have this afternoon found a body of a female in Bradford.

"Leah’s family have been notified and enquiries are ongoing, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

Following Leah’s death, her friends and family gathered to release balloons and light candles on what would have been her 16th birthday.

Titus Salt School, where Leah was a pupil, also issued a statement and described her as a “kind and caring young person”.

Headteacher Ian Morrel said: "We are devastated to learn of the tragic loss of the life of Leah Barber. Leah was one of our Year 11 pupils who had her whole life ahead of her but this has unfortunately been taken away before she had the chance to realise her ambitions and dreams.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this tragic time – their pain and loss must be unbearable. Leah was a kind and caring young person who had a warm smile and personality.

"Leah always focused on doing her best in her academic studies and she was keen to please with her achievements.

"Leah had very close friends at our school who will dearly miss her and the whole of our school community is saddened by this loss.

“We will do everything we can to support those affected during this difficult time."

The inquest into Leah’s death is listed to be held at Bradford Coroners’ Court in Little Germany on April 25 and 26.

It will be presided over by assistant coroner Raja Mahmood.