Boy tragically dies 'on his way to school' after 'collapsing' in the street

Tributes have poured in for the family of a boy who tragically died on "his way to school" after appearing to have collapsed.

The youngster, who has not been officially named, was on his way to St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy in Tunstall, in Stoke-on-Trent, when he reportedly collapsed on Tuesday morning.

Paramedics and police rushed to the scene following reports of a "medical emergency" shortly before 9am.

Passers-by rushed to help him and he was put in the recovery position as they waited for an ambulance crew to arrive, reported StokeonTrentLive.

He was then taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital in a "critical condition" but nothing could be done to save him.

The boy was taken to hospital on Tuesday but he couldn't be saved (BPM MEDIA)

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to an emergency shortly before 9am.

A spokesman said: “Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS emergency doctor attended the scene.

"On arrival, we discovered one patient, a boy, in a critical condition, he was conveyed to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.”

Hundreds of condolence messages have been offered online to the family of the boy.

Sonya Giselle said: "Death is hard to deal with in itself, but when it's your own child.

"I can't imagine what this poor boy's family are going through, due to their precious loss. It must be hell. So young. Devastating.

"My thoughts and prayers go to the boy's family and friends. Rest in peace sweetheart."

Similarly, Jo Meek wrote: "This is so heartbreaking. Poor boy. My thoughts are with his family and friends and all that knew him. Rest in peace."

And Natalie Roantree added: "Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family and his school friends at this incredibly sad time."

Many parents with children at St Margaret's Ward told of their heartbreak at the sudden death.

Kel Ayssa said: "So heartbreaking. My daughter was in the little boy's form. RIP little man, thinking of your family and friends."

And Catherine Byrne said: "My son goes to the school he attended. It's such sad news.

"Thinking of his poor family. It's just devastating to lose a child too soon."

Staffordshire Police declined to comment as it involved a "non-suspicious sudden death".