Update: Postmortem starts on Croydon student

11:24am Saturday 3rd November 2007

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The postmortem examination of a student from Croydon who was found dead with her throat cut in Perugia, Italy has begun.

Meredith Kercher's semi-naked body was discovered by police after they found what was thought to be her mobile phone in a garden close to her flat.

Police hope the postmortem will confirm whether she had been the victim of a sexual assault.

The Leeds University student's body was found in her bedroom in the house she shared with three girls at about 1.30pm yesterday.

Her horrified housemates returned home and saw a trail of blood leading to her bedroom, which was locked.

The police arrived soon after with her mobile phone and broke the door down.

It is believed Meredith's attacker escaped through the window.

Flowers and messages of support have been sent to Meredith's family home in Fairdene Road, Coulsdon, today.

Meredith, a former Old Palace School pupil, had only been in Italy since September on an exchange programme as part of her European Studies degree.

Her former teacher at the Old Palace Road school, where floral tributes had already been left, explained Meredith had been a bright and able student.

A tearful Lucy Mazzeo said: "We are all in a very bad way at the moment after hearing the terrible news. I knew Meredith very well. She was my prized student."

Meredith had been keeping in contact with family and friends via a Facebook page and had posted dozens of pictures of herself and friends enjoying a Halloween party in Perugia.

She also said she would be coming home next weekend to celebrate her mum's birthday adding: "I am having a good time thanks, it's starting to get really cold now tho but choc festival is on at the moment so just a good excuse to drink a lot of hot chocolate. How's stuff at home?? xxx"

The Italian authorities have launched an investigation into her death.

British consular staff are working with local police.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that a British national was found dead in her apartment.

"Our consular staff are in Perugia to liaise with the Italian authorities and to provide the necessary consular assistance.

"The circumstances of the death are under investigation by the Italian police."

• To leave your tribute for Meredith click here.