Schoolgirl killed by ball

Pupils at Woodlands School have brought flowers to school in memory of 12-year-old Leonie. She died after being hit in the chest by a rugby ball during a PE lesson at her school in Basildon in Essex on Tuesday 13 March.

At least sixty children have taken floral tributes to Woodlands Comprehensive School in Basildon to remember Leonie Nice. The parents of children who knew her told ITV Anglia that she was kind and funny, and that they've been left devastated and shocked by her death.

A statement from Woodlands School said: "Leonie Nice, a year 7 pupil, was catching a rugby ball in a PE lesson when she was hit in the chest by the ball. Leonie keeled over and appeared to go into a fit. Our trained first-aiders gave CPR at the scene and the ambulance arrived quickly.

"Leonie was taken by ambulance to Basildon Hospital where despite everyone’s best efforts, Leonie was pronounced dead.

"The pupils and parents have been informed of this sad event and students who require support are being looked after by our own staff and specialists from Essex County Council."

A 12-year-old girl has died after being hit by a ball during a lesson at a school in Basildon in Essex.

An ambulance was called to Woodlands School at about 12.30pm today (Tuesday March 13). Essex Police is investigating the incident.