A 17-year-old former air cadet has admitted murdering schoolgirl Elizabeth Thomas in a stabbing.

Steven Miles, from Edenbridge, admitted killing the 17-year-old - described by her family as a "loving and gentle girl" - at her home.

He is facing life behind bars when he is sentenced next month.

Miss Thomas was found stabbed to death at the property in Amy Road, Oxted, Surrey, at about 5.20pm on Friday, January 24.

A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a stab wound to her chest.

Miles, who 16 at the time of the offence, was arrested at the scene a short time later on suspicion of murder.

Both he and Miss Thomas were students at Oxted School.

"Her death has left our lives broken beyond repair, we have lost our Sunday child..." - Elizabeth Thomas's family

At the time of her death, Miss Thomas's family paid tribute to a "kind, caring, loving and gentle girl".

They said in a statement: "Her death has left our lives broken beyond repair, we have lost our Sunday child.

"She was working towards her A-levels and we were all extremely proud of what she had achieved.

"Following Elizabeth's death, we have been truly overwhelmed by the messages and support we have received from everyone who knew her."

Miles pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court yesterday and was remanded in custody until sentence on Thursday, October 2.

DI Gordon Denslow, from the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said: "This was the tragic loss of a young girl's life and the devastating impact the incident which unfolded in Oxted earlier this year continues to be felt – not just by the family and friends of Elizabeth but the wider Tandridge community.

"Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time."