A teenager who is thought to have taken his own life has been described as a caring brother who was "special to his siblings".

Zain Pervez, 15, who attended Oaks Park High School in Ilford, died on June 12 and is thought to have taken his own life after being bullied by other students for a long time.

His family have now come forward to provide a tribute, describing the teen as a wonderful, sweet boy, who had a calm temperament and always took things in his stride.

His family said: “Being the eldest of four, Zain was always special to his siblings. He would always look out for them and care for them in many ways. He was very responsible and protective and made sure his siblings studied and behaved well.

“As Zain grew from a boy into a teenager, we could see the man that he would become – strong, steadfast and assured. He helped us out with household chores and always showed willingness to make us proud. Zain loved football and playing computer games with his friends.

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Zain has been descibed as a caring and protective older brother. Photo: British Transport Police

“Zain was a teenager growing into a young man – a young man with so much enthusiasm and with so many plans for the future.

“Zain was adored by his family and we are so saddened by this news. To lose our son is heart-breaking – it has come as such a shock to us all. Zain will be dearly missed.”

The Ilford boy was found dead at a train station shortly after 2pm on June 12. British Transport Police are not treating his death as suspicious and efforts are underway to prepare a report for the coroner.

News of Zain's death inspired numerous former students and relatives of current students at Oaks Park High School to come forward, claiming the school failed to effectively discipline bullies or deal with racism.

A petition calling for better mental health and bullying support across all Redbridge schools in the wake of Zain’s death reached more than 1,000 signatures in just two days.

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He attended Oaks Park High School in Ilford. Photo: British Transport Police

But the school's governor, in a letter to parents, has slammed the allegations as "unhelpful and wholly inaccurate".

Redbridge Council added the school was devastated when it learned of the loss of one of its pupils.

It described the school as being a "truly inclusive school that places great emphasis on the development of positive relationships between students and staff".

It continued: "Therefore, it was very upsetting and disappointing for the school to be confronted with such serious and unfounded allegations at what it is a deeply troubling time."

An Ofsted report published last year rated the school as good and stated that "pupils know what to do if they have concerns, including on the rare occasions when bullying occurs".