Boy dies after 'school row'

The boy was a pupil at Chingford Foundation School

A 12-year-old boy has died after being involved in a suspected dispute at his school in east London.

It is understood Rashid Femi, who had a heart condition, was involved in an argument with a fellow pupil at Chingford Foundation School on Wednesday afternoon.

He was taken to hospital from the school, but died on arrival.

A New Scotland Yard spokesman said the exact circumstances of the incident have yet to be clarified.

He was funny, loved football... he was just a joy really

Ayse Ozalp

Officers say no weapons have been discovered and there have been no arrests.

BBC London understands Rashid collapsed after a fist fight and a chase across a playing field.

The other boy involved in the incident is said to be devastated by what has happened.

Mrs Femi, who is being supported by friends and relatives at the family home in Chingford, said her son had surgery in February 1995 to correct a hole in the heart. Then in April 1999 he had an operation for a leaky valve.

'Extremely shocked'

She emotionally said: "The school knew. I filled it in on the forms.

"They should have kept an eye on him. Where were the teachers?

"He went to school and never came back. He was a lovely boy, he wouldn't hurt anybody."

In a statement, headteacher Clive Moore said: "We are all extremely shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

'Friendly' atmosphere

"The school will be giving its full support to his family as well as other pupils and staff at the school during this difficult period.

"The school is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."

A cousin of Mr Femi, Ayse Ozalp, said the family was devastated and described Rashid as "lovely".

She added: "He was funny, loved football. He was just a joy really. It's terrible."

Former pupil

Chingford School caters for about 1,200 pupils aged between 11 and 18.

One of its most famous former pupils is England soccer captain David Beckham, who left in 1991 at the age of 16.

In a 1998 Ofsted report it was described as having a "friendly and welcoming atmosphere for its pupils" and said most children behaved well.

A post mortem examination was being carried out at Walthamstow, east London, on Thursday.