FRIENDS of a Wirral teenager who died after being hit by a train have held an online vigil held in her memory.

Sixteen-year-old Rachelle Owen lost her life when she was struck by a train at Hoylake on Friday night.

Facebook group Sweet Dreams Rachelle, set up in memory of the West Kirby teenager, asked for friends to light a candle at 8pm on Sunday, then post a picture of it as a tribute on the group's page.

A message on the page said: "Words can't describe this feeling, a huge part of the family gone. We will miss you always. Shine brightly Rachelle for the big gap in our hearts."

Rachelle, a student at Hilbre High School Humanities College, was the daughter of Kay Diamond, allegedly murdered two months ago in a violent attack.

Her family said: "Rachelle was a beautiful, vibrant, loved daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece, who attended Hilbre High School Humanities College.

"She will be greatly missed forever by all of her family and friends.

"This is a double tragedy to our family following the recent death and funeral of her mum, Kay Diamond."

Ms Diamond’s body was discovered in a flat in Toxteth on February 28.

A post-mortem found she died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

Anthony Blye, 52, from Toxteth, was charged with murder, but denied causing her death.

He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in early March via video link from HMP Liverpool.

Blye spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, and sat with his head bowed during the hearing.

He is yet to enter a formal plea, but Judge David Aubrey, QC, asked Dan Travers, defending, whether his client admitted causing the death of Ms Diamond.

Mr Travers replied: "No, he does not."

A plea and case management hearing will be held in June.

In a statement at the weekend, a British Tranpsort Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 9.40pm on Friday, April 17, we were called following reports of a person having been struck by a train near to Drummond Lane, Hoylake.

"Our officers attended, alongside colleagues from Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service, and discovered a young woman, believed "The incident is not being treated as suspicious and we will now assist in the compilation of a report for the coroner."

Tributes from friends of the teenager have been paid on facebook.

One wrote: "RIP Rachelle, one of the most amazing people I knew. You will be loved and missed by everyone who knew you."

Another said: "So sad. Now she in the arms of her mum, God bless her and her family."

And another left this message: "Heaven has gained the most beautiful angel there is. Thoughts go out to family and friends. Gone but never forgotten."

Students, staff and Governors of Hilbre High School Humanities College paid tribute to a 'well-motivated, hardworking and compassionate' Rachelle.

Principal Jan Levenson said: "We were devastated to learn the sad news of Rachelle's death.

"She was a popular student with both students and staff, well motivated, hard working and compassionate. Rachelle's form teacher, Mrs Lewis, described Rachelle as focused and driven, with ambitions of working within a firm of solicitors.

"She demonstrated tremendous strength and maturity and will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

"Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go out to Rachelle's family and friends. May she rest in peace."