metro.co.uk
June 8, 2007
A newly-qualified teacher has been found hanged at her home, police said.
The body of Vanessa Rann was found at a house in Staple Hill, Bristol, by her partner on Saturday.
The 26-year-old language teacher at The Grange School and Sports College, in Warmley, Bristol, had allegedly been involved in an altercation - possibily being slapped - with another member of staff in the weeks leading up to her death.
The school's headteacher Steve Cook confirmed that an internal investigation into the incident was under way.
He refused to comment on the alleged altercation but said that pupils and staff alike were in a state of shock following French-born Ms Rann's death.
He said: "The death of a member of staff is a great tragedy but we are coping very well within the school.
"News of her death has been a real shock to the school. It is a complete tragedy.
"We've lost a young and valued member of staff who was very popular with pupils."
He said that Ms Rann's parents had flown from France after learning of their daughter's death.
He added: "Obviously it is a very traumatic time for them.
Police said that they were investigating a malicious text message sent to a member of staff in connection with the alleged altercation.
Avon and Somerset Police spokesman Ian Drury said: "This death is not being treated as suspicious.
"However we are investigating a report of malicious communication after another member of staff at the school received a threatening text message on Monday.
"We are currently trying to make arrangements to visit that person."
An inquest into the teacher's death was opened and adjourned at Bristol Coroners Court in Flax Bourton.
The coroner's officer confirmed that the cause of Ms Rann's death was hanging.
The inquest is not expected to be opened for several months.
(Retrieved in full from metro.co.uk)
