WOODBRIDGE High School headteacher Barbara Haigh has paid tribute to pupil Gary Green following his tragic death.

The body of the 14-year-old was found by his father hanging near the footpath between Roding Lane Cemetery and the Redbridge Garden Centre in Woodford Green on April 16.

Mrs Haigh, in a letter issued to parents this week, said: "Gary will be greatly missed and we are all devastated and saddened by his sudden death. I spoke with Gary's mother yesterday and extended sympathies on behalf of everyone in the school community.

"Gary was making good progress in school and had many friends. None of his family, friends, or teachers was aware of any difficulties with any aspect of Gary's life. Two days before the end of term he had a successful academic interview with his form tutor."

Police are investigating the events leading to Gary's death but are not treating it as suspicious.

Gary was reported missing by his family on the evening of April 15 when he failed to return home.

Tracker dogs and a police helicopter with thermal imaging equipment were used in the search but it was his father who found the body at 5.45 the following morning. A post mortem revealed that the youngster died by hanging.

Arrangements have been made by the school in St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, to provide counselling in the school for any pupil who needs it but examinations scheduled for Year ten students are to proceed as planned.

The school plans a memorial service for Gary in the near future. Mrs Haigh wrote: "In the meantime our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."

May 1, 2003 10:00