Sudden Death Of Kettering Schoolgirl

The headteacher of a Kettering School where a young girl collapsed on Friday has been paying tribute to her today.

It's understood Joanne Watson collapsed during a PE lesson at Kettering Science Academy on Friday afternoon. An ambulance was called to the school in Deeble Road and paramedics treated the 12 year old on the scene for several minutes.

She was taken to Kettering General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. An investigation into what happened is underway but police say they're treating it as a "tragic" death and not suspicious.

Today, pupils returned to the school and were offered counselling. Some teachers were also being offered support.

Headteacher Peter Simpson has been talking to the children at the school today and told Heart "Joanne's friends say she was outgoing, friendly and very well-liked.  The mood in the school is subdued and thoughtful."

Peter Simpson talking to Heart

Various tribute groups have been created on websites like Facebook and now have hundreds of followers.  On some of them Joanne's been described as "amazing" and "always at my heart."