A RELATIVE of a young Ipswich woman who fell to her death from the Orwell Bridge today thanked the community for its outpouring of emotion.

Simon Tomlinson

A RELATIVE of a young Ipswich woman who fell to her death from the Orwell Bridge today thanked the community for its outpouring of emotion.

Scores of people have paid their respects to Laura Garner after her life came to a tragic end on Wednesday.

One mourner, who says she knows the family, said she hoped Miss Garner will “sleep soundly with the angels”.

Another woman said she would “cuddle her own kids tighter” and offered her prayers to the family.

The girl's relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I just want to say thank you for everyone's kind comments. She was a lovely girl.

“It does help to read so many kind thoughts from people that didn't even know her, but still feel touched by this tragedy. May you rest in peace now sweetheart, God bless you.”

Miss Garner was pronounced dead at the scene after police were alerted by motorists who reported that she had jumped off the bridge at around 10.25am.

One of the witnesses, Andy Davis, said: “It is very sad, but I saw her jump and I am now depressed.”

Police said they were not treating the incident as suspicious and an inquest is due to be held into her death in due course.

A reader, who said she knew the family, said: “God bless this girl and her family - let's hope that lessons are learnt and that young people are cared for and listened to regardless of the situations they find themselves in. Sleep soundly with the angels.”

Maria Knights said: “So sorry that she felt this was her only way out. Life is for living and I know it will make me cuddle my own kids tighter tonight.

“To all who went to help, that's why you're special for the job you do.”