The family and friends of an Abbots Langley schoolgirl described as a “beautiful angel” have been left devastated after she was found dead at her home, aged just 15.

Hundreds of tributes expressing grief and shock have poured in for Jessica Cobb, a pupil at St Michael’s Catholic High School in High Elms Lane.

Her mother, Paula Cobb said: “Jessica was a very bubbly lively girl with a cheeky grin.

“She was loved and adored by her two younger sisters.

“She was deeply loved by all who knew her.

“We are feeling overwhelmed by the messages of support which is giving us comfort at this time.

“We have lost a huge part of our lives and I have lost my beautiful baby girl who was also my sidekick.

“I don’t know how I am going to cope without her.”

Police were called to Jessica’s home in Gable Close at 7.30am on Wednesday following concerns for her welfare.

Jessica was pronounced dead at the scene and her death is not being treated as suspicious.

All students and staff at St Michael’s were informed of the sad news in assemblies on Wednesday and prayers and a Mass have been said, while floral tributes have also been laid outside the entrance of the school.

Letters were also sent home with pupils at Divine Saviour School, which she attended before St Michael’s.

St Michael’s headteacher, Edward Conway, paid tribute to “a popular, feisty Year 10 student with a strong mind and positive personality”.

Mr Conway said: “Jessica Cobb was an effervescent character who was much loved and valued by her close knit group of friends, as well as the staff at St Michael’s.

“Mischievous at times and with a twinkle in her eye, Jess as she was affectionately known, seemed happy at school and was often seen laughing her way through a lunch break or enjoying her favourite subjects such as graphics and geography.”

Mr Conway expressed his sadness and spoke of Jessica’s “infectious smile that caused everyone to smile with her”.

He added: “It is with great sadness that Jess’ life has ended so prematurely.

“She will be greatly missed by all in the St Michael’s Catholic High School community.”

Students are being offered professional advice and support where necessary.

Since the news emerged, there has been an outpouring of sorrow on social networking sites, with friends and family posting messages of condolence on Facebook and Twitter.

A Facebook tribute site has been set up in her memory and many have fondly paid tribute to “a beautiful young lady” and Jessica’s “amazing sense of humour”, while many recount the times she could “always make them smile”.

A tribute from a friend reads: “R.I.P baby, you will be missed so much. You were always there to put a smile on someone’s face.

“I know you will be watching over all of us trying your hardest to put a smile on our faces like you always did.”

A school friend wrote: “Rip Jessie.

“I wish you could see how missed you truly are, everyone was crying for you today.”

One friend described Jessica as her “knight in shining armour”.

She wrote: “Your red hair and your little button nose, your amazing sense of humour and your short temper always made my day.”