Funeral for Hayley Holmes found drown in New Brighton

The funeral of a teenage girl who was found drowned on a Wirral beach is due to take place later.

The body of Hayley Holmes, 17, was discovered on New Brighton beach on 29 August. Her 21-year-old boyfriend, Robbie Crofts, remains missing.

Police found a pair of women's sandals and a pair of men's trainers near where Hayley's body was found, along with a mobile phone.

The funeral will be held at Landican Cemetery and Crematorium in Woodchurch.

Hayley's mother and father, Lisa and Mike Holmes, and her younger sister Keely described the Birkenhead teenager as their "bright shining star" who "brought joy and laughter to everyone that was lucky enough to have known her".

Last week, her friends and family gathered on New Brighton beach, close to the spot where she was found, to release balloons and lanterns in her memory.

Mr Crofts, who has a two-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, had spent the 28 August with Hayley at Liverpool's Mathew Street festival.

The North West Underwater Search and Marine Unit, the Coastguard and North West Air Operations Unit have been searching for him.

Police have also been monitoring his bank and mobile phone accounts and checking CCTV in the area.

Mr Crofts' mother, Ellen Ann Crofts, said last week she refused to believe her son, from New Brighton, was dead.