Messages of sympathy to Sarah Payne's family have been flooding into the Argus from people across the world. Here are a few of the many received.

IF all the tears were gathered, the nation would become a flood. God bless darling.

Pat Farley, Newhaven A little princess taken from her loving parents so desperately cruelly. Who could do this and why? How very brave her parents were until her body was found and who could blame them if they "crack up" now. If there is a God, I ask him why, why? He is supposed to watch over us and our loved ones; why rob these parents of a beautiful girl like Sarah? My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

A mum living in Eastbourne May you rest in peace safe in the arms of God. Beautiful angel you will never be forgotten.

Hove You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary and Peter Giles May I offer my deepest sympathy to the Payne family for the grief and pain they are going through. They are being so brave. May God be with them, as are our prayers and thoughts. Let us pray they are caught soon, whoever has done this terrible thing to a lovely family. Their chain is broken.

Mrs V Rolf, Brighton We were so sad to hear about dear Sarah. We are praying for you all. Please let us know if we can be of any help.

Pastor Peter King and everyone at Immanuel Community Church, Islingword Road, Brighton Safe in the arms of Jesus. God bless you, Sarah.

Kate At home with Jesus.

Walter and Trevor When such a tragedy occurs, we all find it hard to express our thoughts in words. Knowing personally the tragic loss of a child who at the age of seven years was killed instantly and totally unexpectedly, the burning ache that fills your hearts now, also fills mine. You will all need to mourn in a different way. Personal loss of a loved one is that indeed: personal.

Please know that my prayers are with you now and will continue forever. My Jason was also staying at his grandparent's house at the time of his death and the feeling of not being able to say "I love you" one more time is still with me. Don't blame yourself or God, blame the devil and the mad creature who did this, but know that Sarah is an angel now and is in total peace. God bless you all in your time of loss.

Kici in Southern California, USA God keep you.

Jimmy Only asleep but safe in God's care, our love always.

Mr and Mrs P. R. Mills, Worthing Your suffering is over. God will look after you.

Mary and kids.

At peace at last.

Alan I just wanted to send my condolences on your tragic loss. I will be praying for you and your family during this rough time.

Micki Rest in peace, Sarah, no one can harm you now. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Kate Abdi and R Boden, Brighton I would just like to send my condolences to a very respectable, strong and beautiful family. These past few weeks you have touched all of our hearts. We have been with you through every TV, newspaper interview and would just like to say you have held yourselves together so much and I feel for you with every sympathy. Sarah will always be beautiful and her pictures will always stay with me in my heart. This is a tragic end to such a beautiful life; I just hope that there will be an answer to pacify your grief and pain. We are all with you and little Sarah is only a whisper away. May she rest in peace. May God be with you all.

Richard Hawker, Brighton I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You have a lot of friends around the world who feel your pain. I hope you all get through this troubling time and may God bless you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tracey Linkenheld, Chicago, Illinois, USA Gentle Jesus up above please take care of Sarah. We never knew her but she sounded a very happy girl. Our mummy has sat and cried at the very sad news. Please look after Sarah and make her an angel, lots of love.

Pauline, 8, Cheryl 9, David 8, Lewes Road, Newhaven.