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A popular DJ found dead in her Liverpool flat has been described as “incredibly talented and incredibly vibrant”.

Carla Dunphy, also known as Carla Clarkson or by her nickname Bert, 22, died on Thursday.

The former Gateacre Comprehensive pupil was a regular DJ for Urban Strawberry Lunch (USL) at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, where she ran the weekly Friday Fling.

Today dad David Clarkson said he was “devastated” by her death.

He added: “I am just so shocked at losing her.

“She was such a lovely person, and someone you could never have a bad word to say about.”

Liz Carlisle, a member of USL, said: “She was so well loved by everyone who came into contact with her.

“She had openness, warmth and generosity.

“The first time she’d meet someone she’d give them a hug, she was that kind of girl.

“She was incredibly talented, incredibly vibrant and loving and giving.”

Liz said she had worked with USL for three or four years and had played at the venue on Renshaw Street just last Saturday.

She added: “She would come on a Friday and run an event called the Friday Fling when she would DJ and people would drum along.

“You would get all sorts of people here from businessmen with their briefcases to homeless men.

“She loved the interaction with people and she could get on with people from all walks of life.

“She will be hugely missed by everyone here.”

Carla worked part time as a receptionist at Bikram Yoga on Great Crosshall Street in the city centre, where staff said she “brought light into their lives”.

A statement from her “Bikram family” said: “We will remember her as being a beautiful, smiling, crazy hippy with the most special spirit we’d ever encountered in our lives.

“She has moved to a higher place and we wish her all the peace in the world.”

Staff said they were “devastated” but felt “blessed” to have known her.

Friends and relatives paid tribute to her on social media.

Sister Terri Dunphy-Clarkson wrote on her Facebook page: “You will always be my heart and my soul!

“I’m gonna miss every single last thing about you!

“So proud to call you my sister and have you in my life! I couldn’t asked for a better sister.”

Radio City DJ Anton Powers wrote on Twitter: “Very sad news about little Carla.

“Only saw her the other week.

“She was doing well DJin in the bombed out church on a Friday. #RIP.”

Christine M Quarless tweeted: “Gorgeous Carla, you've travelled your final journey... RIP sweet child. Xxx”

Sammy Griffith posted: “Most beautiful, kindest, prettiest angel in the sky! One in a million, so many people will be left heartbroken.”

Megan Fitzpatrick tweeted: “Carla/Bert, life and soul of the party. Never forget how much we partied in hideout with the bongo drums. Devastated.”

Adam Raw wrote: “Sad news about little bert don't catch many girls like her these days RIP mate xxx”

Amanda tweeted: “Rare to find a person as incredibly lovely as Carla.

“Such a free spirit and count myself lucky to have known her for so many years RIP.”

Natasha Daley tweeted: “Such a lovely girl and the biggest raver from gateacre comp. #foreveryoung”

Police said they were called to Carla’s flat on Huskisson Street, near the Anglican Cathedral, at 12.35pm on Thursday.

Paramedics gave emergency treatment and she was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

A police spokesman said: “The woman has been identified by her family and a file has been passed by the police to the coroner. There are no suspicious circumstances at this time surrounding this death.”

An inquest is expected to be opened next week.