THE grandfather of a teenager allegedly killed by her boyfriend has revealed his heartbreak at "encouraging" her to visit the UK.

Canadian Ashley Wadsworth, 19, was found dead at a block of flats in Chelmsford, Essex, just weeks after flying to Britain to meet online partner Jack Sepple, 23.

He was arrested at the scene and charged with her murder after reportedly being found lying next to her body.

Ashley's grieving grandfather Jeff Wadsworth has since told how he had urged her to travel to the UK as he "thought it was safe".

The 66-year-old told MailOnline: "We’re just devastated. I can’t believe it.

"I encouraged her to go – I thought it was going to be the time of her life.

"I never thought something like this would happen in England – I thought it was the safest place in the world.

"And it is a safe place – this is such a not normal thing."

Ashley, from Vernon, British Columbia, jetted to visit Sepple on November 12 after meeting him through an online dating app.

She had hoped to "escape small-town life" and the pair enjoyed a tour around London landmarks and a day trip to Kent, both with Sepple's family.

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During her trip, Ashley shared dozens of happy pictures on Facebook chronicling her adventures.

This included loved-up selfies with Sepple captioned "my bestie" and "Jack and I".

But weeks after landing in London, Ashley was discovered stabbed to death.

Sepple last week appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court via video link charged with her murder but entered no pleas.

He had a blank expression on his face as he spoke only to confirm his name.

The hearing was adjourned until March 7.

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