Footballers pay tribute to model

Amy Leigh Barnes died from her injuries in hospital

Professional footballers are among the friends who have left messages in tribute to a teenage model who was stabbed to death at her Bolton home.

Amy Leigh Barnes, 19, was found by police at her home in Moss Street, Farnworth, on Saturday.

On Ms Barnes' Facebook page, Oldham Athletic player Paul Black and West Bromwich striker Ishmael Miller are among those who have posted messages.

A 21-year-old man is being questioned about Ms Barnes death.

Officers were called to her home on Saturday morning. Ms Barnes died later in hospital.

Later on Saturday police arrested the 21-year-old man in the West Midlands.

She was very enthusiastic, very keen and talented - somebody with a personality so bright it just shone through

Paul Brown
Pendleton Sixth Form College

Ms Barnes, who is listed on the books of the Manchester-based modelling agency Nemesis Casting, reached the finals of the Miss British Isles contest last year.

Nemesis manager Sam Coulson said that Ms Barnes did work as an extra and was a regular on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

She had studied performing arts at Pendleton Sixth Form College and did drama workshops for young people with Bolton charity The Phoenix.

A Phoenix spokeswoman said Ms Barnes was an "inspiration to all who met her".

Students at Pendleton are being offered counselling.

Head of admissions Paul Brown said Ms Barnes had "a bright future ahead of her".

Ms Barnes was found at her home in Farnworth

"She was very enthusiastic, very keen and talented - somebody with a personality so bright it just shone through."

In a statement, Ms Barnes' family said she was "a very special person and much loved by all her family and friends".

On her Facebook page, Mr Black wrote "r.i.p. x", while West Bromwich Albion striker Ishmael Miller posted the message: "R.I.P. Amy Leigh".

Her friends on the website include former Hollyoaks actress Hannah Tointon, who played the role of Katy Fox.

Others include Fraizer Campbell, currently on loan to Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester United, Phil Jagielka, of Everton, and Leroy Lita, on loan to Norwich City from Reading.

'Beautiful princess'

Ms Barnes' family said they are "absolutely distraught and destroyed" by Amy Leigh's death.

"Words cannot express the pain we are in. We loved our baby so much, she was our reason for living.

"She was the most beautiful princess.

"We will not rest until justice has been done for our gorgeous daughter."