Wendy Maguire died after falling from a footbridge on to the A12 on Friday, close to the Green Man Roundabout.

The 16-year-old pupil of The Palmer Catholic Academy, Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings, has been described as a “bright, cheerful, hardworking girl” by school headteacher Frank Maguire.

Posting a message on one of the tribute pages for Wendy set up on social networking website Facebook, her sister Vivianne wrote: “Wendy did not commit suicide. People need to realise this.”

She was responding to a national newspaper article about her sister’s death.

Today it has been reported Wendy was “pressured” into drinking vodka by her peers the morning of her death.

Headteacher Mr Maguire said: “Wendy’s death was an unspeakable tragedy that has also shocked the whole school community and is a sad loss of a young life.

“Wendy joined the school as an 11-year-old and has always been a bright, cheerful, hardworking girl.

“She had a very promising future ahead of her and was well liked by her teachers.

“She enjoyed a wide circle of friends and took part in all aspects of school life. May she rest in peace.”

The student is understood to have attended SS Peter & Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Gordon Road, Ilford, and her and her family were regular parishioners at the Catholic Church of SS Peter & Paul, High Road, Ilford.

Fr Andrew Headon said Wendy was confirmed at the church last year.

He added he has visited the family “a few times” since Friday and prayers were dedicated to the schoolgirl during Sunday’s service.

The funeral service, which has yet to be arranged, is likely to be held at the church, he said.

Friends have left countless tribute messages on social networking websites Facebook and Twitter, and video-sharing website YouTube.

Would you like to pay a tribute? Call the newsdesk on 020 8477 3806 or email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk.