A North-East schoolgirl who allegedly attempted suicide because she was bullied at school died today.

Elaine Swift, 15, is believed to have taken an overdose of painkillers. She lost her battle for life this afternoon at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, having undergone a liver transplant operation.

The bullying incident was reported by the girl's father, Bernard, to police.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman today said: "An allegation of bullying has been made by the girl's father but at this stage we are primarily concerned with Elaine's health."

Bill Jordon, headteacher of Dyke House School in Hartlepool where Elaine was taught, expressed his deep sadness following his pupil's death.

He said: "This is tragic news and our thoughts go out to Elaine's family at this very sad time."

"The school takes the subject (of bullying) very seriously and we have stringent policies in place to deal with bullying claims.

"In Elaine's case, we have been liaising with her parents over a period of time and I am confident that the school has acted properly and taken all the appropriate steps when investigating the claims."

Adrienne Simcock, Hartlepool Borough Council's assistant director of education, added: "We know that all schools take bullying very seriously and have procedures in place to deal with incidents of bullying should they arise."