A SERIOUS case review will be held following the death of a 16-year-old girl who was in the care of Essex social services.

Rebecca Watkins, who was found hanged on June 16, was living in a care home in Brandon, Suffolk, about 60 miles from her family home, in Bennett Close, Braintree.

Following her death, an Essex county councillor has condemned putting youngsters into care so far away from their family.

Julie Young, a member of the committee for young people, policy and scrutiny, said lessons must be learned following Rebecca’s death.

She said: “It’s an absolute tragedy.

“I have a 16-year-old myself, so my heart goes out to the family.

“Of course it’s not desirable to have a youngster far from home.

“As I understand it, she had been through a number of foster care placements.

“As of yet, I’m not aware of why she was placed so far from home, but all these questions need to be scrutinised by the county council.

“I have spoken to the chief executive to put pressure on the council to give the family support.”

Essex County Council spokeswoman Katie Canning said: “It is with great sadness Essex County Council confirms a young person in the care of the local authority died on June 16.

“This young person, who was living in a residential home in Suffolk, was in voluntary care with the agreement of her family, and we ask they should have privacy at this time.

“Essex County Council is supporting and working with partner agencies with their inquiries into this tragic loss of life, and at this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further.”