15 year old Issy Reilly dies after being taken ill during a party

Police have launched an investigation following the unexplained death of a 15-year-old girl at a party.

Issy Reilly, who lived in Acton and attended Chiswick Community School, was taken ill in Barlby Road, North Kensington in the early hours of this Saturday (23rd April). She was taken to hospital where she died later that morning. The results of a post mortem are awaited.

A 14-year-old girl and two boys, both aged 14, were also taken to hospital as a precaution. They are currently being kept in hospital for observation.

A 60-year-old man was arrested by police investigating the incident on suspicion of possession of drugs and child abandonment. He was subsequently bailed to return on a date in June. He has been named in national newspapers as Brian Dodgeon an academic who works at the University of London's Institute of Education. It is believed that his daughter was one of the children taken to hospital.

Detective Sergeant Neil Philpott, from Kensington and Chelsea borough, said: "We believe the victim was taken ill during a party at the address in Barlby Road. We are yet to make contact with all those who attended and would ask anyone who was present at any point during the evening to make contact with officers by calling 0300 123 1212. Alternatively, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A statement from her family said, "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, headteacher of Chiswick Community School said, "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. As pupils and staff return to school this week following the Easter holidays, we must now focus on assisting all those affected to come to terms with this terrible course of events."


April 25, 2011