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Tui boss pays tribute to ‘fun and passionate’ agent Cassie Hayes

The boss of Tui has paid tribute to travel agent Cassie Hayes who was killed at her store in Southport.

Managing director for UK and Ireland Nick Longman said Cassie, who was assistant manager at the store, was “well liked and known for her sense of fun and passion for the business”.

“We know she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues and customers,” he added.

Cassie, 28, died after being attacked in her Tui store in Chapel Street, Southport, on Saturday afternoon.

A post-mortem examination found she had died from shock and haemorrhaging from a throat injury.

Andrew Burke, 30, of Vincent Street, St Helens, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court this morning charged with murdering her and possessing a knife in a public place.

He was remanded in custody until February 19 when he is expected to enter a plea.

Longman said Tui is offering counselling to staff and customers affected.

He said the store would remain closed for the “foreseeable future”.

Cassie worked for Tui for almost 12½ years having worked in a number of stores as a travel advisor in the Newcastle and Liverpool areas.

She had worked in the store since 2008 and was promoted to assistant manager in February 2015.

Longman said: “Cassie was well liked and known for her sense of fun and passion for the business. We know she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues and customers.

“Saturday was very traumatic for the Southport store team and our customers present at the time of the attack. We’ve been supporting the team over the weekend and have arranged group and individual counselling support for them this week and will continue to provide support for them for as long as needed.

“At an appropriate time, if they wish to do so, I will meet with Cassie’s partner and Cassie’s family to give our condolences in person and assure them of our on-going support. We have also put in place our death in service processes, which provides both practical and emotional support to her family in the short, medium and long-term.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support and care expressed by many throughout the travel industry. It’s at times like these you realise what a close community we are and how deeply the events of the weekend have shaken us all.

“In conjunction with Cassie’s family, we will think about the best way to commemorate her time at Tui.”

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