A statement read: “Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain Grace Kumar. A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player.

“Our thoughts at this time are with Sanjoy, Sinead and James and everyone who knew Grace – fun, kind and brilliant.”

Bancroft’s School, where Grace Kumar studied until last year, said in a statement on its website: “It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic death in Nottingham of one of our recent 2022 departers, Grace O’Malley. Kumar .

“We are extremely shocked and saddened by Grace’s sudden death in these truly appalling circumstances. She only left Bancroft last year and has been a hugely important part of our community.

“A tremendously gifted and dedicated scholar and sportswoman, she was greatly loved and greatly respected and admired by all. She was outstanding in every way and will be terribly missed.

“It will take everyone in the Bancroft community a long time to process this shocking news, but our thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan-Smith paid tribute to Ms Kumar in parliament on Wednesday, recalling his constituent’s sporting successes.

He said: “I remember when she was part of Woodford Wells cricket and hockey club. She was a star – England U16. England U18. Destined for a great future.

“May I say to my esteemed friend (Mrs Braverman) that it is very important that Nottingham communities as well as families are protected, but all those people who came to know her and had high hopes for her and they jumped too.

“So we can make sure there’s some level of outreach to all those people who have worked with her and helped her grow.”