A POST-MORTEM examination is to be carried out on a girl of eight who died in hospital after being admitted with meningitis-like symptoms.

Staff and pupils at Sally Pugh's school, Upton junior in Broadstairs, are trying to come to terms with her sudden death.

Sally, a year 4 student, was admitted to the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate at around teatime on Saturday and died shortly afterwards.

Her headteacher, Gill Metcalf, said: “Sally was a delightful child and was loved by everybody. She will be sorely missed, not only by her many friends but also by those who taught her. We extend our sympathy and thoughts to her family for their tragic loss."

A spokeswoman for the Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority said: “The initial symptoms were similar to meningitis but there is a strong possibility that it could be some other type of illness.

“A post mortem examination is being held later this week, although it may be that we simply cannot find out what caused the death.”

The girl’s family has been treated with preventative antibiotics as a precaution but the spokeswoman added: “Parents and children from the school should not be concerned. We are working closely with the school to reassure families.”

Dr James Sedgewick from the health protection unit is due to visit the school this week to talk to parents and answer questions.