Young woman’s body found at Sydney school

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A young woman is believed to have been killed after her body was found at the Sydney school where she worked.
Woman killed Sydney school

A young woman is believed to have been killed after her body was found at the Sydney school where she worked.

NSW Police were called to a school in Sydney CBD late on Wednesday night, where they found the body of a young woman who was a 21-year-old water polo coach.

Police have set up a homicide investigation into her suspicious death.

Here’s what we know.

Further details

Police identified the young woman as Lilie James.

James was believed to have been working at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, in Sydney, on the night of her death. Police said she suffered serious head injuries.

Police have been searching for a man in his 20s, Paul Thijssen, since launching an investigation into her death.

Thijssen was known to James and also worked at the Sydney school.

Vaucluse crime scene

Police set up another crime scene in Vaucluse, a suburb in Sydney’s east, next to a sea cliff, where they found property relating to the young woman’s death nearby.

A body was located in the nearby water on Friday morning. Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the body.

Family comments

James’ family released the following statement this morning via NSW Police:

“We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Lilie James.

She was vibrant, outgoing, and very much loved by her family and friends. We are tremendously grateful for the support of our community at this difficult time.”

The family has asked for privacy and won’t be providing further comment.

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