TRIBUTES have been paid to tragic Charlotte Lewis, who was found dead from blows to the head in a house in Bournemouth.

Flowers were laid outside the cottage in Southbourne where her body was found in the early hours of Sunday May 15.

A card attached to a bouquet of white and pink roses read: "To beautiful Charlotte, love you always, Dad. xxx".

The body of 24-year-old Charlotte was found at an address in Hampden Lane in Southbourne. A post mortem revealed she had died from being hit with a blunt instrument.

Her mother, Nicola Lewis, was also discovered at the property. She was taken to Poole Hospital, where she is still receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Charlotte grew up in Bournemouth, attending Bethany Church of England Junior School, Avonbourne School and the sixth form at Bournemouth School for Girls.

She later went to Exeter University, graduating with a 2:1 before securing a job as a teacher at Paignton College.

A message Charlotte had posted on the Friends Reunited website read: "Hi! Graduated from Exeter uni over a year ago now with a 2:1 after four fun years. Am in my second year of teaching science in Paignton and am still living in Exeter having bought my own house. Guess I can call Exeter my home now!! I have recently been promoted to assistant head of year 7 which is a bit scary!! Watch this space for more updates... xx"

Judy Miles, head of sixth form at Bournemouth School for Girls, paid tribute to Charlotte, who studied sociology, maths and chemistry at A-level.

"She was a very good student. Everyone is shocked to think this has happened to anybody, let alone a student from the school," she said.

"Those who knew her are extremely shocked and saddened by what they have heard. She was a prefect who was also a form prefect and would go and assist with other forms. She was also form captain.

"She was an extremely pleasant, hard-working student who got on with everybody. She did her work experience at a local primary school which I think confirmed her decision to go on to Exeter University.

"Our thoughts go out to her friends and family."

Paignton College principal Jane English said pupils have been writing in a book of remembrance in Charlotte's memory.

On May 17, the house where Charlotte's body was found remained sealed off as police continued their forensic examinations.

A man appeared in court on May 17 charged with the murder of his stepdaughter Charlotte Lewis and attempted murder of his wife, Nicola Lewis. Train driver Paul Coles, 37, of Hampden Lane, Bournemouth, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at the short hearing at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.

He is alleged to have committed the offences between May 13 and 16.

Coles was remanded in custody and will appear at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, May 24, at 10am.

First published: May 18