Schoolgirl dies after being hit by rugby ball

A 12-year-old girl has died after being hit by a rugby ball during a PE class at school.

Leonie Nice was catching the ball during a lesson at Woodlands comprehensive school in Basildon, Essex, when she was hit in the chest and fell over before appearing to have a fit.

Paramedics were called to the school just before noon on Tuesday and transferred the year seven pupil to Basildon hospital, where she died.

Gary Sanderson, spokesman for East of England 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, said: "Leonie Nice, a year seven pupil, was catching a rugby ball in a PE lesson when she was hit in the chest by the ball.