Tribute to schoolgirl shot dead

Kally Gillingan was the former girlfriend of Joshua Thompson

The headteacher of a school attended by a 15-year-old girl shot dead by her ex-boyfriend has paid tribute to her.

Kally Gilligan was found dead at a house in Orion Place, in the Lower Broughton area of Salford, Greater Manchester, on Saturday.

Joshua Thompson, 18, was also found with gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital but died later.

Steve Aveyard, Head of Albion High School in Salford, said Kally was intelligent and hardworking.

"Kally was a lovely girl," he said.

Forensic officers attended the scene of the shooting

"She was fun loving and had many friends.

"Like all young people she knew how to party and have fun, but also she was a sensitive girl who was going to do well in her exams and had a good future ahead of her.

"Sadly now that has been torn from her, and she has been taken from us."

He added: "All of us are very shocked and stunned, but working together today to try to make sense of this double tragedy so we can cope with this together."

Greater Manchester Police said a murder investigation was taking place but no-one else was wanted in relation to the killing.

All of us are very shocked and stunned Headteacher Steve Aveyard

Thompson was said to have been devastated after recently breaking up with Kally.

Witnesses reported hearing an argument at the terrace house before shots rang out in the quiet street.

Police are now trying to find out how Joshua came to be in possession of the gun.

Kally's family described her as a "kind and considerate, beautiful, young lady".

Joshua's family also released a statement, in which they said the 18-year-old was a "bright young man with a life ahead of him".

He was also a pupil at Albion High School but had left three years ago.

Mr Aveyard said the pupils were "full of grief" but said several books of condolence had been opened at the school.

Memorials to Kally have been set up and pupils are being offered advice and support from trained counsellors.