Chelmsford: College's Grief Over Murder

10th February 2012, 17:09

Police have arrested a second man in connection with the murder of an Essex student in east London.

Cheryl Tariah was found dead in a flat on Barkingside High Street on Tuesday - the 17-year-old had been studying at Chelmsford College.

A 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned by detectives, a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

A post-mortem examination on Cheryl, of Dunloe Avenue, Tottenham, north London, gave the cause of death as "compression of the neck", police said.

Meanwhile Chelmsford College has released a statement saying: "Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this impossibly difficult time."

"Clearly, her fellow students and the staff of the College are shocked and upset by this tragic news. Since her death, tributes from staff and students have been pouring in.

"Professional counselling has been in place this week and additional support is being provided, at this very testing time, by the College Chaplain. We will continue to provide counselling for as long as students and staff need it. The College community is coming together, united in grief, to provide mutual support.

"Fellow students have described her as a lovely bubbly girl. She was a strong and bold personality, well-liked by both her peers and the teaching staff.  In her short time at the College her talent for fashion was abundantly clear. She wanted to be a brilliant fashion designer and, given the opportunity, she would undoubtedly have fulfilled her ambition. She is sadly missed."

On Thursday officers arrested a 21-year-old man "in connection with the inquiry" but he has since been released without charge.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.