Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a "bright and beautiful" teenage girl who died after emergency crews rushed to her home amid concerns for her welfare.

Sophie Pearce died in hospital after police and paramedics were called to Beaconsfield Avenue in Dover shortly before 10pm on Saturday night.

Officers said they are treating her death as unexplained.

Her uncle Mike Pearce paid an emotional tribute to the Canterbury College student in a public post on Facebook.

He said: "I remember the day you were born and I'll remember every day and every smile in between.

"I'll remember you constantly pulling my hair as a baby then to asking me for doc martens so you could be cool at school.

"I'll remember you calling me uncle Ninal because you couldn't say my name.

"I'll remember taking you to your first gig just so I could be the cool uncle.

"I'll remember how you were going to rule the world with your sass and [sic] Witt.

"I'll remember you being so bright and beautiful but it breaks my heart so much that you have gone.

"We will meet again someday but for now rest easy Sophie and know I'll never forget you and your smile.

"Your were truly amazing and I'll love you always, your Uncle Ninal."

Other people also remembered Sophie, who went to Folkestone School for Girls.

Jo Anne Readman said: "Can I say how lovely she was I remember when Chris bought her round for a party wearing her beanie hat thinking how all teenagers aren’t so bad she was one of the good ones and I’m so sorry for ur [sic] loss she was such a credit to u all."

Another friend, Sonny Brown, wrote: "A flower bloomed already wilting. Beginning its life with an early ending.

"Rest high Sophie Pearce. You’re a kindred spirit and I know you’re still here with everyone in essence, you were powerful in mind and in body.

"It’s heartbreaking to lose you, at least I had the chance to make a few memories with you? See you sometime in the future.

"I know you’re protected up there and we’re protected down here."

A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 9.51pm on May 25 to reports of concern for a teenage girl at a property in Beaconsfield Avenue, Dover.

"Ambulance crews attended with police officers and a 17-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital where she later died.

"The girl’s death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing."

Read more: All the latest news from Dover