Girl, 12, dies after class collapse

Emma died in hopsital after collapsing during a lesson

An Essex schoolgirl has died after collapsing in class.

Emma Hurlbut, of Southminster, who was 12 years old and a pupil at the St John Payne Catholic Comprehensive School in Chelmsford, died in hospital on Thursday.

The head teacher Frank McEvoy said Emma's death had shocked and saddened the whole school.

The community was offering its condolences to Emma's family.

Pupils have been signing a book of condolence at the school.

"Emma was a happy, loving, good-natured and capable pupil who loved both her family and school. She will be sorely missed," he said.

Post-mortem examination

Special assemblies were held for all pupils on Thursday afternoon.

Prayers were also being said at the school on Friday morning.

In a letter to parents Mr McEvoy said: "Many pupils who knew Emma well were shocked by this news and we have been supporting all those closely affected."

A post-mortem examination carried out on Friday proved inconclusive.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said there was no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and it was thought that Emma had died from natural causes.

She said a report would be prepared for the coroner.