I can't believe she died all for the sake of her handbag and mobile phone

Alan Stuttle, father

"She was a wonderful daughter - a credit to us and herself - just wonderful.

"It has been a very, very painful day. She had just got her university papers through. It's an awful thing to live with for the rest of our life."

Ms Stuttle was found dead under a bridge in Bundaberg, Queensland on Wednesday evening. Police believe she fell or was thrown after a struggle with a robber.

'Very vibrant'

One of her former teachers, Bridget Vincent of York College, told the BBC the news of her death had been "devastating".

"She was an absolutely lovely girl, she was full of life, she was very vibrant.

"As a student she was very committed, and very enthusiastic about everything that she did.

"Somebody who had so much to give"

"Everything she was asked to do she'd do with good grace and a cheerful willingness. She was a delightful girl."

Ms Stuttle had been on a gap year before university, after taking A-levels in psychology, history, general studies, and English literature.

Ms Vincent, who taught her English literature, said: "She wanted to go on and do psychology at university, and then she wanted to do forensic medicine after that.

"I'm sure whatever she'd chosen to do she would have succeeded in, because she was that kind of girl."

'Promising life'

Ms Vincent said Caroline had been very popular with staff at the college, who had been shattered by the news of her death.

She said: "Everybody's incredibly shocked. That's the first reaction to anything like this - it's the last thing anybody expects to happen.

We prepare [students] for the next step, so to hear there isn't going to be a next step is devastating

Teacher Bridget Vincent

"After that comes just a dreadful sadness at the tragedy of somebody who had so much to give, and such a promising life, that's just been cut short."

She said Ms Stuttle had been very excited about her forthcoming trip to Australia and Fiji.

"I remember Caroline came in on Leavers' Day to bring her books back, and she was full of plans and excitement.

"I remember saying how lucky you are, this is a wonderful opportunity to be going off.

"She was really excited about it... it was a huge adventure, that obviously all went horribly wrong."