A family has said they are "in shock" over the death of a British dancer whose body was reportedly found in an Australian strip club.

Stacey Tierney, 29, was found dead at Dreams Gentlemen's Club in Melbourne on 19 December after spending the previous evening drinking with several men who had access to the venue, according to Australian media.

According to the Herald Sun, Miss Tierney worked at the club and the men fled the scene without calling for help.

Police believe Miss Tierney's body lay undiscovered for up to 12 hours.

On an online fundraising page, the dancer's cousin said her family was "in shock and are trying to get their heads around what has happened".


Image: More than 400 people have donated to the online fund

Colleen Sarah said: "Stacey was living her life to the full in Australia and she has made a huge impact on everyone who knew her.

"The aim is to raise funds to bring her home to give her a send off fit for a princess."

Victoria Police said the circumstances around Miss Tierney's death are yet to be determined, reports say.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on the 29-year-old's body, it added.

Victoria Police's homicide squad is overseeing the investigation, the Herald Sun reports.

Miss Tierney, from Manchester, moved to Australia in 2013.

More than 400 people have donated to her online fund, which has hit £11,500.

In a post on the page, Sally Kimber said she worked with the dancer in Queensland and paid tribute to "a very smart and caring girl with a big heart".

She added: "This tragic news has broken my heart. She truly was a kind a beautiful young woman."