Girl aged 6 killed by a falling tree at school

A Six-year-old girl has died after being hit by a falling tree at school.

She was taken from Gosforth Park First School in Newcastle to the city’s Royal Victoria Infirmary at lunchtime on Friday but died yesterday.

Northumbria Police said: “At 1.15pm we received a report that a child had been struck by a falling tree at Gosforth Park

First School.

“Emergency services attended the scene and the six-year-old girl was taken to hospital. Sadly, the young girl passed away.

“Our officers are continuing to support her family and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“An investigation has been launched with police working in conjunction with the health and safety executive.”

The school head Leanne Lamb said: “Our entire school community has been shocked and devastated by the tragic news that one of our pupils passed away during the night as a result of injuries suffered from a falling tree in the school grounds.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family and friends as they come to terms with this tragic loss.

“As a school and community, we will take the time to mourn and are putting in place extra support for the staff and pupils, who are devastated by this incident.”

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: “HSE is aware that this is now a fatal incident and we will work alongside Northumbria Police to investigate.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this sad time.”