A GIRL who tragically died in a fatal rock fall has been described by her school as 'vivacious, gifted and kind'. 

Oxford schoolgirl Harriet Forster was killed by falling cliff rock on Wednesday while on a beach in Staithes, North Yorkshire. 

The nine-year-old was on holiday with her family when the fatal accident unfolded, and was hailed by her loved ones on Friday as 'the light of our lives'.

Now the Dragon School in North Oxford has revealed Harriet was a pupil there, and paid a heartfelt tribute to her and her family.

A statement on the distinguished North Oxford school's website states: "It is with great sorrow the Dragon School has learned that Harriet Forster, a pupil at the school, died recently in an accident while away on holiday.

"This very sad news has come as a shock to us all and Harriet’s loss will be felt deeply across our school community."

The tribute, attributed to headmaster Crispin Hyde-Dunn, added: "Harriet was a wonderfully vivacious, gifted and kind pupil.

"We are making every effort to support members of our school community and our thoughts and prayers are with Harriet’s family and friends at this time."

The school added that a book of condolence has been opened at St Andrew’s Church in Linton Road, North Oxford, and will remain there until Sunday, September 2.

The book will be available for people to pay their respects, from 9.30am-5pm on weekdays and during church services on Sundays.

Dragon School said the book will then be available for contributions at school once the new term begins.

North Yorkshire Police has passed a file to the coroner and an inquest for Harriet is expected to be opened in the next week or two.

More Oxford Mail readers added to the tributes online today.

One reader commented on Facebook: "Devastating for everyone. Can't begin to imagine what her family are going through."

Another wrote: "Rest in peace princess. My thoughts are with the family."

Harriet was struck by shale rock falling from a cliff, in the seaside village of Staithes near Whitby.

She was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts of many emergency service crews, who were sent to the scene in Seaton Garth at about 4.30pm.

It is thought Harriet was hit about 100m away from a red danger sign, but villagers said visitors are often not aware of the risk of rock falls beneath the cliff.

Experts at the British Geological Survey reported an increased number of rock falls in recent weeks on the UK's coastline, due to the extended period of hot weather followed by rainfall.