A 12-year-old boy has died after collapsing from a suspected asthma attack while playing football at school.

The youngster, William Magowan, was taking part in a supervised game when he fell ill at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall Preparatory School, Hurst Green.

Nursing staff tried to revive him on the school playing fields at 5pm on Thursday.

The boy was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Headteacher Larry Crouch said the entire school had been left ‘absolutely devastated’.

Mr Crouch said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a 12-year-old boy was taken ill after what we think was an acute asthma attack.

"We are devastated by this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the boy’s family.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

He said: “The child was playing supervised football at Stonyhurst Preparatory School at which he was a pupil when he fell ill and collapsed.

“Attempts at resuscitation were made and paramedics were called and the boy was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.

“We do know that the child suffered from asthma but an investigation is underway.”