A SCHOOLGIRL died after being hit by a rugby ball during a PE lesson.

Leonie Nice, 12, suffered a fit when she caught the ball at Woodlands Comprehensive School in Takely End, Basildon.

The year seven pupil was hit in the chest by the ball and keeled over, before having a fit shortly before midday. The school's first aiders tried to resuscitate her at the scene and called an ambulance, but she was pronounced dead on arrival at Basildon Hospital.

Andy White, head teacher, said: "Leonie was a promising, delightful and kind girl who will be greatly missed by all the staff and pupils of Woodlands School.”

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at his time.

"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 specialist staff from Essex County Council’s support team.

"Our trained first aiders gave chest compressions at the scene and the ambulance arrived quickly. Leonie was taken by ambulance to Basildon Hospital where despite everyone’s best efforts, she was pronounced dead."

An ambulance, fast response car, ambulance duty manager and police officers were called to the school at around midday.

Gary Sanderson, spokesman for East of England Ambulance Service, said: "First and foremost out 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, she sadly she died shortly afterwards."