Elizabeth Rose Thomas

A 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a body at a property in Oxted last week has now been charged.

Officers were called to a property on Amy Road, Oxted at around 5.20pm on Friday, 24th January and found the body of a 17-year-old girl at the address.

The girl has since been formally identified as Elizabeth Rose Thomas, 17, from West Wickham.

During the early hours of Friday, 31st January the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with her murder. He is due to appear at South East Surrey Magistrates Court today.

The family of Elizabeth Rose Thomas has paid tribute to her. Elizabeth, 17, grew up in the West Wickham area of London and attended Oxted County School where she was a 6th form student studying for her A-level qualifications.

Her family, in tribute to Elizabeth, said: "Elizabeth was a kind, caring, loving and gentle girl and her death has left our lives broken beyond repair, we have lost our Sunday child.

"Throughout her GCSEs Elizabeth studied hard and did very well, she was now working towards her A Levels and we were all extremely proud of what she had achieved.

"Following Elizabeth's death we have been truly overwhelmed by the messages and support we have received from everyone who knew her.

"We would like to say a special thank you to Elizabeth's friends and the friends of her younger sister for all they have done over recent days. They have shown a great sense of maturity and respect in such tragic circumstances.”