Nicola Payne Collapses and Dies During PE Lesson at School in Kent

A 15-year-old girl has died in what police are calling an unexplained death after collapsing during a PE lesson in Kent.

Nicola Payne collapsed during a game of rounders at the Angley School in Cranbook. She was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, but doctors were unable to revive her.

It is unclear why she collapsed and died, but a post-mortem exam is due to be carried out to determine the cause of death.

A police spokesman said: "Nicky's family are being supported by a family liaison officer from Kent Police and the coroner has been notified."

The cause of death is being treated as "unexplained" but not suspicious, he added.

Pupils at the school were told of her death at a special assembly.

Tammy Blunt, 14, told BBC South East Today that Nicky was "a really good dancer and singer".

Rhys Vausden, 15, said she was always "happy, lively, and cheerful".

"Everyone was in shock. No one could believe it," he said.

Tributes have appeared on social media sites, with friends of the teenager setting up pages dedicated to her.

On the RIP Nicole Payne Facebook page, a friend said: "Nicola, its been a day since this page started, you have more than 800 likes. Goes to show how many people loved you and how many you made laugh, RIP princess."

A Tweet from a school friend was sent in her memory: "RIP Nicola Payne. You were always such a smile at school You'll never be forgotten, my thoughts are with your family thru this hard time! X."