Leonie Nice, 12, Dies After Being Hit By Ball at a school in Basildon, Essex

A 12-year-old girl has died after being struck by a rugby ball at a school in Basildon, Essex, the East of England Ambulance Service has said.

Leonie Nice was catching the ball during a lesson at Woodlands Comprehensive School in Takely End when she was hit in the chest and fell over, appearing to have a fit, Essex County Council said.

Emergency services were called after the incident, just before noon, and Leonie was taken to Basildon Hospital but died shortly after.

Gary Sanderson, spokesman for the ambulance service, said: "First and foremost our thoughts are firmly with the girl's family at this tragic time.

"The ambulance crew arrived at the scene within one minute and found the girl in a critical condition. Following rapid treatment and stabilisation, she was taken to an awaiting medical team at Basildon Hospital where sadly she died shortly after."

Andy White, headteacher at Woodlands, paid tribute to Year 7 pupil Leonie as a "promising, delightful and kind girl". Read More