First picture of teen who died in prison as friends pay tribute and say she was the ‘kindest of girls’

TRIBUTES have been paid to an 18-year-old who died in prison with friends calling her the “kindest of girls”.

Annelise Sanderson died at HMP Styal, in Wilmslow, south of Manchester, on December 22.

Police say they were called to the Cheshire prison at 6.40am following her “sudden death', which is not being treated as suspicious.

Ms Sanderson’s heartbroken friends have now paid tribute to the “funny, caring and kind” young woman, the

"She wasn’t just anybody, she was our friend and was truly loved by all who met her.

"Annelise lit up any room she walked into by signing or laughing.

"She touched the hearts of all who knew her and was the most funny, caring and kindest of girls.

"She had a way of making you laugh even when you didn’t want to, that was down to her bubbly sense of humour."

They described Annelise as “talented beyond belief” and who “loved to dance and sing”.

"We never thought we would ever have to write this about our girl and our hearts are broken.

"She will forever live on and not a day will pass where she isn’t remembered.

"Fly high beautiful but always stay close. We miss and love you so much.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “HMP Styal prisoner Annelise Sanderson died in custody on 22 December and our condolences are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

“The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed.”

Ms Sanderson is the fifth inmate to die at HMP Styal, near Manchester over the last three years.

Nicola Birchall, 41, died while in custody at HMP Styal in February 2018 and in June 4 that year Imogen Mellor, 29, died in the jail.

Christine MacDonald, 56, was found collapsed in her cell while serving a sentence at the women’s prison on March 3, 2019 and died later in hospital.

Susan Knowles, 48, died at HMP Styal on May 10, 2019.

The prison is currently being after a baby died there in June.