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Friends mourn party death girl

Pa
Monday 25 April 2011 16:53 BST

Friends of tragic drug death girl Isobel Reilly wept today as scores of mourners held a vigil in her memory.

The 15-year-old died in hospital on Saturday morning after being rushed from lecturer Brian Dodgeon's home after a party.

Isobel, Mr Dodgeon's daughter Beatrice Hadjipateras, 14, and two boys took drugs which police believe might have belonged to the academic.

The 60-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and child abandonment and bailed to a date in June.

Today, after tributes poured in for the schoolgirl on Facebook, youngsters gathered on a green in Chiswick, west London, where Isobel went to school.

Isobel was described as "a vibrant person", an "outgoing soul" and someone who was "always laughing".

A floral tribute sprang up under an oak tree where bouquets were left.

Mr Dodgeon's employers at the University of London's Institute of Education, will meet tomorrow to discuss the situation.

Professor Chris Husbands said: "Like everyone else, the institute was deeply sorry to hear of the tragic events of Friday evening, and extends its sympathy to Isobel Reilly's family and friends."

He added: "My senior team and I will be meeting tomorrow morning - we have a routine scheduled senior team meeting anyway - to make appropriate decisions on the way we will proceed."

Mr Dodgeon, a research fellow who studied subjects such as health inequalities and alcohol consumption patterns, was out of the house on Barlby Road, Kensington, with his partner Angela Hadjipateras on Friday night.

It is believed Isobel, Beatrice and the two boys found the drugs, including Class A Ecstasy and Class C Ketamine, after the unsupervised party began.

The four were taken to hospital at around 4am after Isobel stopped breathing - but the three others were only detained for observation.

Neighbours reported the raucous party getting out of hand with groups of boys fighting.

Police sources said Ms Hadjipateras was not arrested because she was needed to be with her daughter in hospital, but officers have not ruled out also arresting her on suspicion of child abandonment.

Police released a statement from Isobel's family, saying: "Isobel's family and friends are devastated and heartbroken by her untimely death.

"We hope that if anything positive comes from this dreadful event, it is that others will make the right decisions to be safe and well in the future.

"We would very much appreciate time to grieve for our beloved Issy in private. If anyone has any information concerning Issy's death could they please contact the police."

Tony Ryan, head of Chiswick Community School, added: "Isobel was an extremely popular girl at our school and counted many of her fellow pupils as friends.

"Her tragically early death is devastating news to everyone associated with the school and all our thoughts are with her family at this time."

Irina Corcashvilli Vallance paid tribute to Isobel on Facebook.

She wrote: "Issy was a truly beautiful, special person who gave love, laughter and happiness to so many people - she will be deeply missed by everyone.

"Don't let her tragic death be in vain. Be the best you can for Issy. RIP. xxx".

Lauren Ashcroft wrote: "R.I.P issy! Such a lovely girl stunning! Loved by many! God only takes the best."

Ella McCallum wrote that she was struggling to come to terms with the death: "i can't sleep because when I wake up to go to the memorial that means your really gone. every single one of my thoughts are with your family. rest in peace".

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