A CORONER told the family of a teenage girl found dead in woodland last week that he could not say anything which would lessen the pain of their loss.

The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Keighley schoolgirl Kehkshan Rashid was opened this morning at Bradford Coroners’ Court. 

West Yorkshire Police launched an urgent search for Kehkshan, who has been described as a “hardworking, popular and well-liked” young girl, after she failed to return home from Holy Family School last Wednesday, September 16.

The school said they were “deeply shocked” by her death and said their thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragedy. 

Many people turned out to pay their respects to Kehkshan. Footage on social media shows a touching vigil, with many people holding balloons which were then released into the sky. 

One speaker said: “We think that 14 years was such a short time for her to be on this world, but the things she accomplished was absolutely amazing.

“Anything she put her mind to, she would remember and learn and show people that she could do it. She always saw the best and positivity about life.”

Today's brief hearing was attended by her mum, Shazia Ramzan and uncle, Ameren Jelel.

The court heard she was found in a wooded area in Keighley on September 17 and was pronounced dead by attending paramedics at 1.50pm. Kehkshan was identified by her uncle, Aqib Ramzan.

No cause of death was given and the post-mortem report is awaited.

Assistant coroner Raja Mahmood told the family: “There’s nothing I can say to you that will lessen your pain, but be there for each other. Please pass on my condolences to the rest of your family as well.”

Police are not treating it as a suspicious death.

The inquest was opened and adjourned until a provisional date of December 17.

Sharon Mather, headteacher at Holy Family School, said: “Everyone at the Holy Family Catholic School was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Kehkshan’s death last Thursday.

“She was a hardworking, popular and well-liked member of our school community and will be very sadly missed. We prayed for Kehkshan and her family and friends as a school community last Friday and our thoughts and prayers remain with all affected by this tragic event.”

Many people have taken to the Telegraph & Argus’s Facebook page to leave messages of condolence following the heartbreaking news. 

Patricia McIntosh wrote: “This poor girl..heartbreaking. My love and condolences to the family.”

Michelle Roundhill said: “Bless her heart. So sorry for your loss. RIP beautiful.”
Jane Sheffield added: “So so sad...don’t know how a family can cope with such a tragedy.”

And Jayne Garbutt wrote: “Just heartbreaking. My heart goes out to all her family and friends.”

Many others left similar messages.