Schoolboy dies after collapsing at lunchtime in 'medical emergency'

A young boy has died after he collapsed during lunchtime at school.

The Year 7 pupil, thought to be aged 11 or 12, had a "medical emergency" at Shoeburyness High School in the town of Shoeburyness, Essex, on Monday.

Paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the scene. The boy was transported to Southend University Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Essex Police said they were notified about the incident by ambulance staff just before 1.20pm after concerns were raised about the welfare of a pupil.

"Officers attended Shoeburyness High School, Caulfield Road, and met with paramedics who were dealing with a medical emergency," the force said. "Despite their best efforts, and those of the school staff, we are able to confirm a Year 7 boy, sadly, has now died."

The police said they are treating the death as "unexplained". It said a report will be prepared for the coroner.

District Commander Ian Hughes said: “I would like to offer my condolences to the boy’s family and we are doing everything we can to support them through this tragic and difficult time.

“Our officers remain at the school at this time to continue our enquiries.

“We will continue to investigate the circumstances into the boy’s death and will work with the school tomorrow.

“We are aware of comments on social media, and we want to reassure the local community and parents of pupils at the school, no knife was involved during this tragic incident.”

The Southend Echo reported that an email sent from the school to local councillors read that the boy "apparently suffered a heart attack", but this has not been confirmed.

In a letter to parents, Shoeburyness High School said: "At lunchtime there was a medical issue that involved one child; no other individuals were involved.

"The ambulance and air ambulance service supported the child and were assisted by the police who then remained on site as part of their protocol and to support staff and students.

"We can confirm he has sadly died and out of respect to the family, we will not be commenting further at this stage.

"The school will be open tomorrow and there will be specialist support in place as children will be spoken to about the situation first thing by their tutors."