Pictured: Ukrainian girl who died after being found on Devon beach named as Albina Yevko

A teenage Ukrainian girl who died after being found on a beach has been named as Albina Yevko.

The 14-year-old was reported missing shortly before police and the coastguard found her unconscious on Dawlish Beach, Devon, on Saturday evening.

She was airlifted to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Her mother, Inna, paid tribute to her, saying: “Myself and my family are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina. Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts.”

Albina is understood to have fled Ukraine with her mother last year, and is initially believed to have been taken in by a local family. 

The girl is believed to have been in Year Nine at Dawlish College.

‘Officers continue door-to-door enquiries’

Det Insp Becky Davies, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Our investigation continues as we try to piece together Albina’s final hours. 

“Officers continue to undertake door-to-door enquiries as we try to identify any witnesses or CCTV footage that capture Albina’s movements.

“Whilst this death remains unexplained, we are not currently treating this death as suspicious. 

“We await the results of the forensic post mortem due to take place on Thursday, but in the meantime we ask that the family and loved ones of Albina are given space and privacy as they come to terms with their loss.

“Our thoughts are very much with those who knew Albina at this tragic time, and the close-knit Dawlish community who will no doubt be in shock over this loss.”

‘It’s absolutely devastating’

Lisa Mayne, the mayor of Dawlish, said: “It’s absolutely devastating for people. You can’t put it properly into words, how it is going to affect our Ukrainian community here.

“They have come here to find safety and now they have to come to terms with a terrible tragedy like this.

“It’s dreadfully sad. Her family needs time to grieve and find out what happened.”

Dawlish College did not respond to a request for comment, but an email to parents on Monday confirmed the death of a pupil and said grieving students would be given extra support.