Pupils and staff are in mourning at Moat Community College in Highfields, Leicester, following the death, which was confirmed yesterday. The girl became ill there at around 11.30am last Tuesday and died a short time later, the school said.

       Trained counsellors are helping youngsters grieve after the "tragic event" rocked the large school, which is near the city centre.

       Three paramedics, a crewed ambulance and an air ambulance were despatched to the scene last week, reports Leicestershire Live.

       Brian Killeen, principal of the school which caters for around 1,000 children, said: "Everyone at Moat Community College is devastated by this tragic event.

       "We are in touch with the pupil’s family and our thoughts are with them all at this dreadful time.

       "We will be continuing to offer support to our students and staff over the coming days and weeks.

       "The city council is providing trained counsellors who have been on site since Thursday morning to offer help to those who need it.

       "What caused this tragic event has not yet been established, so it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."

       Police are preparing a file for the coroner but say the death is not being treated as suspicious.

       A spokesman for Leicestershire Constabulary said: "Shortly before midday on Tuesday, October 12 a call was received from the East Midlands Ambulance Service stating an 11-year-old girl had gone into cardiac arrest at a school in Maidstone Road, Leicester.

       "Officers attended but sadly the girl died a short time later.

       "Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for HM Coroner."

       A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 11.32am on Tuesday, October 12 to Maidstone Road, Leicester.

       "The caller reported a medical emergency.

       "We sent three paramedics in ambulance cars, a crewed ambulance and the air ambulance was also in attendance."