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Tori Sokolova death: Heartbreaking tribute to 'beautiful' 14-year-old girl found dead in Wolverhampton park

'Beautiful': Bethany Zielinskj: West Midlands Police
'Beautiful': Bethany Zielinskj: West Midlands Police

A close friend of 14-year-old girl found dead in a Wolverhampton park has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her "soul mate".

Vicktorija Sokolova, known as Tori, was found in a park in the centre of the West Midlands city with fatal head injuries early on Thursday morning.

Devastated friend Bethany Zielinskj described the Lithuanian-born teenager as a "beautiful young girl" who "will be missed by so many people".

She told the Standard: “Tori was a loving little girl who never failed to make you laugh or smile.

Police at the scene after a girl's body was found in West Park, Wolverhampton (PA)
Police at the scene after a girl's body was found in West Park, Wolverhampton (PA)

“She was such a smart young girl that had a whole life ahead of her.

“When you were upset she knew how to cheer you up and make you laugh. Her laugh would make you laugh."

The 16-year-old school friend added: “She was such a beautiful young girl, she will be missed by so many people. She was little my little sister, my soul mate, my partner in crime.

“She was my everything and I will miss her so much. Always in my heart."

Police at the scene after a girl's body was found in West Park, Wolverhampton (PA)
Police at the scene after a girl's body was found in West Park, Wolverhampton (PA)

Ms Zielinskj has set up a fundraising page for Tori's parents on Facebook. Hundreds of pounds have been raised in hours.

A 16 and 17-year-old boy were arrested at their homes in the city on Friday and remain in custody, West Midlands Police said.

West Park, where Tori was found, is expected to remain closed over the weekend while a forensic officers comb the area for evidence.

Superintendent Harvi Khatkar, of Wolverhampton Police, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Vicktorija's family and friends at this terrible time.

“We fully understand that people will be really concerned about what has happened, but we have a dedicated team of detectives working on the investigation.

“Extra patrols will be taking place in the area and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak to their local officers."

The death has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as is normal procedure as Tori had been reported missing on Wednesday evening.