Caroline Flack found dead by dad Ian after pal staying with her 'popped to shops'

Caroline Flack’s body was found by her worried father who rushed to her East London flat after a call from a pal.

Dad Ian is said to have made the discovery after being called by a concerned friend of the Love Island host.

Her death came hours after the star had been told that the CPS were pressing ahead with a case of assault against the 40-year-old TV favourite.

Caroline stepped down from presenting the current Love Island show after she was alleged to have assaulted Lewis Burton 27, at her then flat in Islington, north London, in December.

She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and she was released on bail, with conditions that stopped her having any contact with Burton ahead of a trial in March.

This meant she was apart from her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, with Lewis posting a romantic picture of them together with the words ‘Love You’ on instagram.

Caroline Flack with her father Ian (Image: Caroline Flack/Instagram)

MailOnline say a TV producer pal had been living with the TV star due to concerns of those close to her about her state of mind.

They reported that Caroline took her own life while her friend had gone to the shops. The friend could not get back into the flat when she returned – and so phone Ian.

They found her dead when they gained access.

Caroline had recently returned to the UK after spending time in Los Angeles in the aftermath of her arrest for the alleged assault.

Her family said in a statement: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February.

Lewis Burton wishes Caroline Flack happy Valentines (Image: Instagram)

“We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.”

In a statement released on Saturday night her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution Service for pressing ahead with what it called her “show trial” even after her boyfriend said he did not support it.

Francis Ridley of Money Talent Management, said: “In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.

Caroline Flack attending the Brit Awards in 2019 (Image: PA)

“The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.

“The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline.”

Over recent weeks, the star had been liking social media posts about suicide, including some from the Samaritans.

Ian Flack in happy times with daughter Caroline (Image: Caroline Flack/Instagram)

Speaking to The Mirror, one friend claimed Caroline had been taking anti-depressants.

“She went to a climbing wall with one of her pals, and they were trying to keep her spirits up but she was going deeper into her depression,” said the pal.

“In the last few weeks, she was with a lot of her friends and rarely alone.”

Friends said Caroline had been in a fragile state of mind since an incident with her boyfriend where she allegedly assaulted him. She feared for her career.

And she was said to be terrified of her impending court date on March 4.

One pal said: “She was on her own. She couldn’t take it any more. Her family are devastated.”

You are never alone. If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk