Tributes have been paid to a teenage girl who was found dead in a country park.

The 18-year-old, named locally as Codey Brown, was discovered near to the Dean Park in Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.

Police were called to the scene, near to Dean Street, around 4.40pm.

Devastated friends of the popular dancer, who turned 18 on Saturday, have flooded social media with tributes.

One friend, Kerry Gray, posted: "Can’t even begin to put into words how heartbroken I am having to write this about an amazing, gorgeous and hilarious young girl who I had the pleasure of knowing.

READ MORE: Teenage girl, 18, found dead near busy country park in Kilmarnock

"You were always the one to put a smile on my face when I was grumpy in college and I’m just so gutted that you felt the way that you did, it sadness me so much.

"Love you always Codey Brown, keep on whacking your legs in the sky my darling."

Laurie Graham, added: "I just want to say that I’m so glad that you were apart of my life codey! You always had my back and forever made me laugh, you were such a beautiful girl inside and out.

"I really can’t get my head round this, I want this to be a nightmare and to wake up and for you to be fine. I’m so sorry that I let you down and I love you so much codey. "Thank you for being you and for being such riot. Until we meet again stunning, I will never ever forget you. Rest in paradise my angel."

READ MORE: Evening Times readers post touching messages as teen found dead in Kilmarnock

Close friend, Rebekah Douglas, said: "Still in complete shock, been up all night thinking of you and how the world is so cruel. Last night I found out the most horrible news, absolutely gutted, you were such a funny girl and you made everyone laugh no matter the situation, still can’t believe that your not here with us any more.

"To think I was only just talking to you on Saturday and now your gone.

"Thank you for all the amazing memories that I get to keep forever, thank your all the laughs and all the times you almost nearly made me pee my self from howling at you, until we meet again my beautiful angel, I love you so much."

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A spokeswoman for Police Scotland, said: "Around 4.40pm on Sunday March 17, a 18-year-old girl was found dead near to a park in Dean Street, Kilmarnock.

“A post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death however police are not treating the death as suspicious.

“A report will be sent to the PF.”

– Samaritans is available 24/7 every day of the year, to listen and offer support to anyone who is struggling to cope. People can contact Samaritans by phone, free of charge, on 116123, via email at jo@samaritans.org or can visit www.samaritans.org to find details of their local branch.