A long-standing headteacher has paid tribute to a "gifted and very talented" student who died suddenly while celebrating the start of the summer holidays with friends.

Isabelle Tudisca, nicknamed 'Issy' of Buckhurst Hill, died last Wednesday (July 22) after she collapsed at a house in Connington Crescent, Chingford, shortly before 7pm.

A post-mortem into the 14-year-old Trinity Catholic High School pupil's death can back as inconclusive and her family now await the results of a toxicology report.

Police are treating her death as unexplained and it is being investigated by officers from Waltham Forest police.

A tribute released earlier this week by her mother, Della, father, Leo, and younger sister, Sophia, described Isabelle as a "beautiful and vibrant young lady" who showed a natural flair for drama and the performing arts.

Headteacher of the Mornington Road, Woodford Green, school, Dr Paul Doherty, called the year 9 pupil's sudden death a "soul-wrenching tragedy".

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Dr Paul Doherty will begin his temporary role on Monday.

Headteacher of Trinity Catholic High School Dr Paul Doherty OBE

He said: "Isabelle was, and is, a lovely lass, a most gifted and very talented student, incredibly popular with all members of her school community as well as friendship groups outside Trinity.

"At this moment in time, all the evidence points to a sudden death.

"Naturally her parents, Leo and Della and her younger sister Sophia, who is joining us in September are absolutely devastated.

"They are deeply appreciative and comforted by the incredible support and care shown by everyone in our community who have learnt of this soul-wrenching tragedy.

"I am particularly grateful for the support shown by Isabelle's friends and colleagues in year 9."

Dr Doherty has led the 'outstanding' school since 1981 and was labelled by Ofsted as an "inspirational" headteacher during an inspection earlier this year.

According to neighbours in Connington Crescent, girls were seen collapsing in the street from grief and up to 10 police cars, including plain-clothed officers, attended the scene.

The road was cordoned off and the house was taped off for several hours.

No arrests have been made.