Boy dies after school swimming lesson in Liverpool

A 12-year-old boy from Liverpool has died after collapsing during a school swimming lesson.

Oliver King fell ill during the class at King David High school in Childwall on Wednesday. It is believed he may have suffered some form of seizure.

Police said the death was being treated as "unexplained". A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

Head teacher Brigid Smith said the death was a "great loss".

Oliver was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the incident on Wednesday afternoon but died later.

The death is not believed to be suspicious.

'Sadly missed'

Ms Smith said: "Oliver was a lively, bright young boy, very popular with his peers and staff.

"He was a keen and talented sportsman who in his short time in the school had already made his mark representing King David at football, cross-country and athletics.

"He is a great, great loss to our school community and will be sadly missed by all of us.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Oliver's family at this saddest of times."

Counselling offered

Stuart Smith, Liverpool City Council's director of education, said: "The entire school is shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy.

"It was a terrible shock and naturally caused great distress to the staff and pupils who witnessed what happened and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young boy."

Counselling and support is being offered to pupils and staff affected by the incident.

The school and local authority said they were working with the police and the Health and Safety Executive on their investigation.

Merseyside Police confirmed it was investigating the unexplained death of a 12-year-old boy.