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Stoke flat death: Tribute to 'precious' Megan Newton | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The family of an 18-year-old found dead in a flat has described her as a "precious" young woman "in the prime of her life". | |
Megan Newton was found at the property in Fletcher Road, Stoke-on-Trent, on Saturday afternoon. | |
Her family said she loved sport and taught football to young children. | |
Joseph Trevor, from Trentham and also 18, appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre earlier accused of her murder. | |
He was remanded in custody and is due before crown court judges on Thursday. | |
In a statement, her family said Ms Newton was studying sport at college while also working three jobs. | |
She enjoyed playing football and worked as an assistant coach to children under the age of seven at weekends, they added. | |
"We were all behind her every step of the way and would have done anything for her," they said. | |
"She was a young woman in the prime of life, so precious and loving and such a big part of our lives. We just adored her. | |
"Family meant everything to Meg and we're all struggling with what's happened. It just doesn't feel real." | |
A fundraising page for Ms Newton's funeral costs has raised more than £2,000 since Saturday. | |
It was set up by Ricardo Eccles, who paid tribute to his "beautiful best friend". | It was set up by Ricardo Eccles, who paid tribute to his "beautiful best friend". |
A minute's applause was held at Monday's match between Stoke City FC and Norwich City in tribute to Ms Newton. | |
Friends and family are expected to gather at Hanford Park in the city on Friday to release balloons in her memory. | Friends and family are expected to gather at Hanford Park in the city on Friday to release balloons in her memory. |
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. | Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. |