Funeral for stabbed teenager

Funeral for stabbed teenager

Mrs Marfleet said her daughter Rae had been her best friend

The family and friends of a teenager found stabbed to death in her flat are to pay tribute to her life at her funeral.

Rae Torbet, 19, was found dead at her home in Cantelupe Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, on Thursday 27 March.

She was a former head girl of Bexhill High School. Her father is Detective Chief Inspector Jim Torbet, based at Eastbourne.

Ms Torbet's funeral will take place at Eastbourne Crematorium at 1300 BST on Monday 14 April.

Her mother Zoe Marfleet, speaking on behalf of herself and Mr Torbet, said: "Rae was a fantastically energetic young woman who had the rest of her life ahead of her.

Rae touched the hearts of so many people with her special blend of humour and humanity

Mother Zoe Marfleet

"As her mum, I have lost my best friend.

"That's why we, her beloved family, want to pay our own fond tribute to her at a special ceremony celebrating her short life on Monday.

"Rae touched the hearts of so many people with her special blend of humour and humanity.

"Both Jim and I would be pleased to see any of her friends at the celebration - in memory of our own Rae of sunshine."

Concerns were raised after Miss Torbet failed to turn up for her cashier's job at the HSBC bank in nearby Hailsham.

A work colleague went to the teenager's home where they found her body.

A post mortem examination revealed that she died from stab wounds.

A 31-year-old man from Hastings has been charged with murder.