The mother of 14-year-old Ukrainian girl Albina Yevko, who died in hospital after being found unconscious on Dawlish beach, has paid tribute to her daughter.

Police were called on Saturday evening (4 March) to reports she had gone missing from the Dawlish area, where she had been living.

Searches with support from the police helicopter and coastguard were carried out and she was found unconscious on Dawlish beach.

The teenager was airlifted to hospital where she later died.

Her death remains unexplained, but police are not treating it as suspicious.

Albina's mother, Inna Yevko, paid the following tribute to her daughter: "Myself and my family are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina.

"Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts.

"We ask that our privacy is respected at this incredibly painful time."

Detective Inspector Becky Davies said: "Our investigation continues as we try to piece together Albina's final hours.

"Officers continue to undertake door-to-door enquiries as we try to identify any witnesses or CCTV footage that capture Albina's movements.

"Whilst this death remains unexplained, we are not currently treating this death as suspicious.

"We await the results of the forensic post-mortem due to take place on Thursday, but in the meantime we ask that the family and loved ones of Albina are given space and privacy as they come to terms with their loss.

"Our thoughts are very much with those who knew Albina at this tragic time, and the close-knit Dawlish community who will no doubt be in shock over this loss."

Anyone with any information or who may have CCTV/ doorbell footage that can assist officers with the investigation is asked to contact [email protected] quoting case reference 50230052081.

Tributes from friends, Mayor of Dawlish

Olena Kravchenko, 39, a married accountant from Kharkiv, also came to the UK in May with her daughter, Vasilisa, seven, and had grown close to the family.

She said: "I didn't believe it when I heard she had died.

"We came abroad to find a safe place, so nobody could imagine that this could happen.

"Albina was lovely girl. She was calm, she was smart."

Another close family friend Viktoriia Zviholska, 38, added: "She was not only young, but also very bright, smart, interesting, she loved to draw.

"She was a good person. I can't believe this could happen to her.

"I found good people in them. I have only good memories of our time together."

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lisa Mayne said: "Our thoughts and profound condolences go out to the family, friends, and wider Ukrainian community in Dawlish at this heartbreaking time."