Emily Harris, aged 18, of Canal Court in Berkhamsted, was found by a member of the public who alerted police just before 7am to Little
Bridge Road near George Street.

The bridge was taped off and with the help of fire crews to recover the body, the emergency services spent seven hours on the scene.

Gary Sanderson, spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "We were called at 6:58am, and a woman was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics."

A Berkhamsted resident who passed the bridge on his way to work said: "I'd just left home and I saw about three police cars.

"There was also fire engines, which I thought was quite odd.
"It's quite scary because it's so close to where I live."

Another resident who lives nearby said: "I go out for a walk there every day but I'd over slept.

"I heard all the noise and went out to have a look and that's when I saw her.

"At first I thought it was a dummy.

"People walk over that bridge all the time so she couldn't have been there long."

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

A postmortem has been carried out and the coroner is awaiting toxicology
results.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

It is believed the teenager leaves her mother and sister, Charlotte.

Reverend John Pritchard, assistant curate at St Peter's Church, said: "St Peter's is open during the day time.

"There is a photograph of Emily and next to it, a candle alight so that people can come into a house of prayer, pay their respects, say their
prayers and share in one and others' sorrow at this time."

Emily's former head teacher, Richard Dalziel, from Ashlyns School said:
"Emily was a lovely, bright girl who had her whole life ahead of her.

"The teachers recall her as a popular figure who had a great love of languages, particularly French.

"Her friends knew her as a lovely person and she was well known in Berkhamsted.

"Emily was only with us for two years before going to private school in London. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult
time."

Bunches of flowers have been laid on the bridge and tributes have also poured into www.hemeltoday.co.uk.


Jane Soones, of Hiltop Road, Berkhamsted, emailed hemeltoday.co.uk to say: "I am so saddened by this news. I knew the young girl and cannot believe this has happened. Such a beautiful and special person. She will be very much missed. Love to the family, especially her sister at this sad time."

An anonymous email read: "Will be for eva missed can't beleve this has happend."

Kat Bull, from Berkhamsted, said: "Thinkin of u all! U will be sadly missed sweetie! ur now wiv the angels! Goodnight! RIP!xxx"

Anonymous: "After hearing yesterday's terrible news, I would like to send my condolences to anyone close to Emily. What a beautiful girl she was. Our hearts are with Emily's family, including her older sister Charley."

Bart + Coop: "R.I.P Emily x"

Sam, Fay, Steff and Lucinda, from Berkhamsted: "Such sad news, such a beautiful girl with so much going for her. Best wishes to Charlie and the rest of her family x "

Wayne Mills of Houghton Regis: "u will be greatly missed by everyone who knew u. my thoughts are with the family at this sad time. the Boat will never be the same again. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. Love ya babe. R.I.P XXXX"

Fay, from Berkhamsted, said: "Always in our thoughts forever in our hearts... such a beautiful Girl... you will be missed by many. Love to Charley and Family at this sad time! xxxxxx"

Anonymous from Milton Keynes: "Emily was such a kind, caring and loveable person. I cant believe that i wont bump into her anymore, it's a great loss and my thoughts are with her family. You will be greatly missed emz :( xxx"

Nardia Webb: "We are all goin to miss you so much Emily.. you were such a lovely person and has your whole life ahead of you.. hope your in a better place.. with miss you and will be in our hearts forever.. love ya xx"

Rochelle, of Hemel Hempstead: "If only you would have called me... why? You will always be in my heart and your soul will be cherished forever... a true friend that will be sadly missed but never forgotten. With love always xxxxxxxxxxx"

Jema, of Berkhamsted: "Emily Was really bright and bubbly always had a smile on her face. i cant believe shes gone. R.I.P Em,see you soon sweetie. thinking of your family at this time xoxo"

Rob Lang, Berkhamsted:"Gonna miss you so much babe, boat isnt gna be the same, used having your beautiful smile to greet us all there. You were always smiling, laughing and making everyone around you laugh. I miss you, you wont be forgotten. Sleep tight xxx"

Iljoesja Lowinsky, Berkhamsted: "Shocked shocked shocked. Sweet Emily will be in our thoughts forever. Her beautiful face, the way she spoke we won't ever forget her. She must have been so troubled. Our thoughts go to her mother, sister, grand parents."

Anonymous: "You will be missed so much,and never be forgotton, so many memories, so many good times xxxxxxxxx"