Family pay tribute to ‘beautiful’ Mossley girl as ‘murder and rape’ investigation continues

The devastated family of a 13-year-old girl from Mossley have paid an emotional tribute after her tragic death sparked a major police investigation.

Casey-Louise Horrocks, a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School, was found unresponsive at a flat in Huddersfield on Tuesday, August 12. She was taken to hospital where she later passed away.

Her death has led West Yorkshire Police to launch a rape and murder inquiry. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of rape and murder, and a separate rape reported in Kirklees, he was later released on conditional bail.

Casey-Louise had been living in Liverpool at the time but was visiting Huddersfield the day before she died. It is understood she was in the care system.

Paying tribute, her heartbroken family said: “Suddenly and totally unexpected, on Tuesday 12th August our beautiful Casey-Louise gained her angel wings. Our family is absolutely devastated by this news. Can you please respect our privacy and give us time to grieve as a family.”

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading what police have described as a “complex” and “lengthy” investigation. A post-mortem examination has so far been unable to determine how Casey-Louise died. Officers are continuing to look into both her death and a separate rape reported in Kirklees.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said at the time: "Detectives are working to fully understand the circumstances of the girl’s death which is being treated as unexplained after a post mortem could not establish how she died."

Enquires into both crimes remain ongoing by detectives.

A fundraising page has also been launched in her memory. Organiser Tina Copper said: “I am fundraising for this beautiful young lady Casey-Louise, who was tragically taken away from her family. Casey was a vibrant, happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her. Let’s help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.”

The fundraiser can be found at: www.gofundme.com/f/caseylouise