A ‘CHARMING, popular and clever’ schoolgirl has died suddenly at the age of 12.

Olivia Diamond, a year eight pupil at Accrington Academy, passed away in hospital yesterday.

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Details of what caused the youngster’s death have not been released, but it is understood that she may have suffered a heart attack.

Teachers and friends have paid tribute to the youngster, who they described as being loved by all.

Andy O’Brien, principal at Olivia’s school, said everybody was devastated by the news and that she would be sadly missed by those who knew her.

He said: “Everyone at the academy is stunned by this very sad news.

“Olivia was a charming, popular and clever young girl and she will be very much missed by her friends and teachers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”

Pupils at Accrington Academy were sent home with a letter to their families explaining what had happened.

They were also offered extra support to help them with their shock.

Classmates had also worked together to create a lasting tribute full of messages of how much they would miss the Accrington schoolgirl as a way to pay their respects.

Grieving friends even took to social networking sites to express their shock and grief setting up a Facebook page in her memory.

It received hundreds of ‘likes’ within hours of it being created.

Brandon Hargreaves wrote: “Gone but never forgotten. Such a shame, you were full of laughter, gonna be missed so much Olivia.”

Fionnuala Hamill said: “My heart is broken into a million pieces. RIP Olivia. Life is so cruel, 12-years-old and now an angel. I will never forget you my little Olive Oil.”

Charlie Whittaker said: “Rest in peace Olivia, such a beautiful girl and so nice, truly going to be missed by all of us.”

Danielle Glasgow added: “RIP Olivia Diamond. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Sleep tight beautiful.”

And Sophie Michaela Moore posted: “RIP Olivia. Although I never met you, mine and your mum were best friends at work.

“My mum was telling me how much of a lovely well mannered polite young lady you were.

“Heaven’s gained a beautiful angel.”