Tributes have continued to pour in for an aspiring semi-professional footballer from Sidcup who died aged 20.

Katie Sheppard was found dead on July 2 at her family home in Montrose Avenue. It is not yet known what caused her death.

After the news broke on News Shopper yesterday dozens of people took the opportunity to share their memories of the former BTEC Sports Science student at Christ the King College: St Mary’s in Sidcup.

Rik Taylor said: “Katie was a wonderful, kind and caring young woman whom I have had the honour of knowing since she was eight.

“We had holidays with her and her family and her loss has hit her family and friends very hard.

“She loved her football and everyone she met in football loved her. “Her death is tragic and the family are trying desperately to come to terms with it.”

Katie played for Charlton Athletic Women’s reserves before moving to West Ham Ladies in 2012, for whom she made four appearances until deciding to take a step back and concentrate on her studies at university.

University of Kent Women’s Football teammate Elle Lewington, 21, said: “I played with Katie during the 2013/14 season.

“She was a fantastic midfielder and an amazing person both on and off the pitch.

“She was so kind and supportive and beautiful, I wish I could have had more time with her.

“We were so similar and I will remember her for the rest of my life.

“Rest in peace Katie, you will be truly missed.”

West Ham United posted a tribute to lifelong Hammers fan Katie on their website.

Ladies director of football Julia Setford gave the then teenager her first-team debut in November 2012.

She said: "Katie was an absolute West Ham fanatic.

“She had a season ticket and it was her absolute ambition to play for West Ham Ladies.

"When she was at training, she was the most bubbly person and just fantastic to have around the club.

"She joined us when she was 17 and played for the club for two seasons.

"She was a fantastic person and a lovely kid. It is such sad news for us all.

“The club will certainly be a lesser place without her."

If you knew Katie and would like to leave a tribute please post below, call 01689 885702 or e-mail tim.macfarlan@london.newsquest.co.uk