Bouquets and cuddly toys were left close to the spot where the body of eight-year-old Sarah Payne was found. And Sussex police switchboards were jammed by callers wanting to know where to leave flowers.
Many of the flowers were addressed to "our little princess", the family's name for Sarah, and several others simply said "rest in peace" or "sleep well".
One woman sobbed as she placed a bouquet beside the spot last night and was hugged by a policeman, unable to control her emotions.
A posy of roses and wild flowers bore the message "To dear little Sarah, we have hoped and prayed for you and you will be in our thoughts for a long time to come.
"We are so sorry that this has happened to you and hope that you didn't suffer too much, you brave darling."
A bunch of purple and white carnations was signed simply "from a local policeman and father", who had obviously been deeply moved by his role in the search.
Four members of the police press team yesterday bowed their heads as they placed a massive bouquet in memory of Sarah. The bunch of red and yellow daisies, carried the message: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you. In memory of Sarah from all at Sussex Police."