'A TRAGEDY beyond words'.
That is how Sophie Lancaster's shattered family summed up the loss of their beautiful, bright daughter.
The former Haslingden High School pupil lost her fragile grip on life last Friday - 13 days after she and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were savagely beaten in Stubbylee Park, in Bacup.
The couple, both of Bacup, were allegedly assaulted by a group of people at the skate park at around 1.20am on 11 August after spending the evening at a friend's house. The duo, who were fans of gothic culture and music, sustained serious head and facial injuries and were both left in comas.
Robert, known as Rob, pictured below, has since made a steady recovery and was allowed out of Rochdale Infirmary where he was being treated to visit Sophie last Wednesday; he is now recovering at home.
Sophie's family were told the devastating news that she would not recover early last week. They kept a bedside vigil at Hope Hospital, Salford, before making the heartbreaking decision to turn off Sophie's life support machine.
She died last Friday morning.
Her grieving parents Sylvia and John said: 'We were proud to know our daughter; she was funny, kind, loving and brave. She was a beautiful girl with a social conscience and values which made her a joy to know.
'Not being able to see her blossom into her full potential or even to see her smile again is a tragedy beyond words.'
Her death has since made national and international headlines following a wave of horrific killings across the country, with the tragic shooting of 11-year-old Rhys Jones occurring the night before Sophie's death.
Even Tory leader David Cameron seized on the attack in Bacup in a speech criticising youth crime and Britain's 'real and growing' problem with violence, which was broadcast on national TV news.
Feelings of anger and shock were still being felt around Bacup and the world this week, with messages coming to the Free Press from as far afield as America and Australia.
At home, friends, relatives and well-wishers have paid their respects to former Haslingden High pupil Sophie, who lived on King Street, Bacup, by fixing a sea of flowers to the railings at the scene of the brutal attack.
Cards have paid tribute to Sophie's free spirit and some questioned the sense in what had happened; one had the sentiments: 'Sophie, sleep where no shadows fall.'
Internationally-acclaimed Irish music duo VNV Nation dedicated a song to the couple at Sunday's Infest festival in Bradford and Rob's uncle Nigel Lancashire was contacted by the duo's singer, Ronan Harris, on Monday with a message of support; a song was also played for them at a club night at The Royal Hotel, Waterfoot.
Mr Lancashire, a close friend of the couple, said: 'We are all just horrified. Both families are absolutely devastated.
'You don't think it can happen to someone you know; these things happen to someone else. All her friends managed to get to see her and everyone who mattered got to say their goodbyes.'
Detective Inspector Dean Holden, who described the incident as a 'mob attack' is leading the investigation.
He said: 'It is tragic that this young woman has now died. Our thoughts are obviously with her family. Anyone who saw the attack or has any information should contact the police.'
A post-mortem examination has been carried out; an inquest into Sophie's death was opened on Wednesday morning and adjourned pending the results of tests.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rawtenstall CID on 237443, the control room on 01282 4721360 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Five youths, three aged 15 and two aged 17, have been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the assault on Sophie and Robert; the police and Crown Prosecution Service are now reviewing those charges.
A peace march planned by the Bacup community in response to what happened has now been cancelled. The event, organised by three Bacup mums, had been due to take place on Sunday, 9 September but has been called off due to the wishes of Sophie's family.
CLICK here to leave your tributes to Sophie in our special online book of condolence ...
Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
Lesley Hayden, Bacup (30/08/2007 at 18:41)
tony, bacup (30/08/2007 at 21:10)
Taken to early R.I.P
n.j best, bacup (30/08/2007 at 23:17)
Jez, Bacup (31/08/2007 at 05:46)
Laura Marsden, Nelson (31/08/2007 at 11:27)
I cry for what the world is coming to.
As a Parent myself, I cry for what both Rob and Sophies Parents are going through. It's a Parent's worst nightmare, that one of your children will never come home..and to be taken from this world in such a way...I don't have the words.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I despair at the fact that it's taken the murder of a beautiful young woman, to actually get something done about the mob of kids terrorising Bacup.
I'm dismayed at the new charges against them. It's a slap on the wrist in comparision to what it really should be...but I guess in a way, it will ensure they DO get a custodial sentence. I just hope they are given a VERY long time.
A. Monroe, Manchester (31/08/2007 at 12:08)
What really sickens me about scallies is that they always vastly outnumber their victims attacking in pacts and targeting the weak and helpless.
This is an appalling act with echoes of a race or religious hate crime. These animals should at least be charged with murder and subject the toughest penalty possible.
sharon, Rawtenstall (31/08/2007 at 18:25)
Tom, Bacup (31/08/2007 at 19:21)
The thoughts on this page are only mine,
And would not be written,
If i could turn back time.
The people of Bacup are all in dismay,
That one of our children has been taken away.
But it was some of our own, who commited this act,
None of us like it,
But that is a fact.
I will not comment on them, My words are too strong,
You might be from round here, But you no longer belong.
They have stolen your future, But can't touch your past,
Your special times together, Treasured memories to last.
As parents ourselves,
We are saddened and riled, But we will never forget,
YOUR BEAUTIFUL CHILD X
shell, bacup (01/09/2007 at 19:31)
karen murphy, middleton (02/09/2007 at 18:25)
S. Jackson - Tyson, Britannia, Bacup (02/09/2007 at 20:34)
I still cannot believe that this has happened in our community. Our thoughts are with Rob and both his and Sophies families.
vicky, whitworth (02/09/2007 at 20:49)
janet barlow, bury (02/09/2007 at 23:37)
chris, aldershot, england (03/09/2007 at 02:27)
We are used to be shouted at in the street, and now we hear how these innocent people were beaten to death beacuse they were into the gothic culture.
To both families as a fellow goth, I offer my thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Lonergan, Manchester (03/09/2007 at 17:35)
Jane, england (03/09/2007 at 23:05)
Gill, Bacup (04/09/2007 at 14:29)
anon, rossendale (04/09/2007 at 15:11)
RIP Sophie x
anon, bacup (04/09/2007 at 17:24)
Anon, lancashire (04/09/2007 at 18:29)
Anon, Middle East (05/09/2007 at 14:14)
My deepest sympathies to those affected.
The charges now brought against the 'alleged' attackers-I found this on the internet. Does this mean that for taking a life they will spend less than 25 years behind bars? Only to be out again in years to come. Rossendale used to be a safe place.
On another matter, why did they close the Police station in Bacup in the 80's?
Bring back the Bobby on the beat...? Bring back capital punishment?
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/section5/chapter_c.html#11
Too late for the poor little girl... RIP
tony, bacup (05/09/2007 at 18:02)
taken too young R.I.P
RobF, London (06/09/2007 at 19:44)
Unfortunately until the law is changed to recognise and protect cultures like goth etc from prejudicial hate-crime violence like different races, religions, genders and sexual orientations are quite rightly protected at present this kind of barbaric senseless abuse on those who deemed different or alternative will sadly continue.
I have been alternative looking for 25 years now and being routinely spat at, abused and threatened in the street is a regular occurrence.
There needs to be an additional amendment in the wording of the hate-crime legislation in order to protect those of differing cultures.
Unfortunately the law at the moment as it stands seems to give a certain validity to these ignorant thugs as looking different or against the norm is seen as an unnecessary provocation in our conformist society which fuels this type of prejudicial abuse.
The fact that 3 of the attackers have been allowed out on bail, they can not be named and still have not had charges of murder brought forward speaks volumes as indeed so does the low profile of this case in the national newspapers.
Anon, Rossendale (07/09/2007 at 08:35)
My heart goes out to all who knew Sophie. I sincerely hope the reviewed charges of murder are taken to their rightful conclusion.
Lesley, Bacup (08/09/2007 at 09:57)