A sport-loving Eastbourne teenager collapsed and died while playing football with a group of friends.

Lee Richardson, 15, a 6ft 1in sports enthusiast, died just a few days after finishing his 11 GCSEs.

He was playing football with friends near Prince's Park, Eastbourne, when he collapsed.

His worried pals made a 999 call and Manchester City fan Lee was rushed to the Eastbourne District General Hospital. He did not regain consciousness.

Police are treating his death as a tragic accident. A post-mortem was inconclusive and further tests are now being carried out.

Teachers and students at Eastbourne Technology College in Brodrick Road, Hampden Park, are in mourning.

A book of condolence has been opened for pupils and teachers to pay their respects to Lee, who would have turned 16 today.

Rap music fan Lee, of Bexhill Road, Eastbourne, was predicted high grades, in particular in business, IT and English.

He was expected to do A-levels at the Eastbourne campus of Sussex Downs College in Cross Levels Way.

His family were trying to understand how a lively boy with an exemplary health record could collapse and die within hours.

Mother Lynn Richardson, 37, said Lee's father and two brothers, Daniel, 14, and Adam, seven, were grief-stricken.

She said: "How can a fit and healthy boy like my son die like that? We just don't have any answers as to why it happened.

"Lee had everything going for him. He was popular, intelligent and loved sport, especially football and basketball.

"At school he was so laid back. He didn't let anything faze him. We simply cannot get our heads round what has happened.

"One of his friends came and got me to go to the playing field but I couldn't get near him. He was surrounded by medics.

"They kept trying but he never came - they never got him back."

The family has been buoyed by support from friends, family and teachers and pupils.

Personal letters of condolence have been sent by college staff, who say he was one of their brightest students.

Headteacher Janet Felkin said: "He was a lovely boy with so much going for him. It has devastated everyone here. He was very popular with an active social life and a wide circle of friends.

"He was one of our brighter boys who was expected to go on and do really well. It's an absolute tragedy."

The funeral has yet to be arranged.