Shadwell: Classmates 'devastated' at death of girl, 11, after chemicals found at flats

Schoolmates of an 11-year-old girl who died after pest control chemicals were found at the block of flats where she lived are “devastated by her empty seat in class”, a teacher has said.

The girl died and two family members were taken to hospital on Saturday afternoon after it is believed they were exposed to chemicals used for pest control.

Police said a number of other people living in the same block of flats in Shadwell reported feeling ill.

Rena Begum, head of Buttercup Primary in Shadwell, east London, told the Guardian the children were struggling to cope and were being offered bereavement counselling.

Ms Begum told the newspaper: ““The children are struggling to cope. It is a real shock to them at their young age that suddenly someone is not there.

“She had strong dreams of wanting to help the community and becoming a medical professional. Her friends are devastated by her empty seat in class.”

The death of the girl, named locally as Fatiha Sabrin, is being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination is planned.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Residents in the block were evacuated as a precaution and are being looked after by the local authority.

“A sweep of the building was carried out by the London Fire Brigade and a quantity of chemicals – believed to be used for pest control – were discovered.

“They will be safely removed and an investigation will be carried out to determine how they came to be in the building

“Inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”

London Fire Brigade said crews were called to the scene on Saturday to help police with their investigations.