A six-year-old girl has died just hours after contracting one of the ‘worst cases of meningitis’ medics have ever seen.

Layla Rose Ermenekli showed symptoms of the disease on Friday afternoon but within 12 hours she had passed away.

She was taken to A&E at Royal Oldham on Friday evening with a high temperature, headache and stomach ache.

The youngster, who was a talented dancer, quickly deteriorated, and was put on an antibiotic drip.

But on Saturday morning her heart stopped and she was resuscitated, but tragically ‘fell asleep’ shortly afterwards.

A statement issued on behalf of Layla's mum Kirsty and dad Ricky said: "Layla Rose was so bubbly.

"She always had a smile on her face and never let anything phase her.

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"She was such a colourful character, such a precious girl. She touched so many people's hearts and made people laugh and smile daily with her cheeky shy character.

"She was so loved and words can't describe how much she will be missed."

Dance teacher and family member Catherine Wasgarforth McNamara said: “Layla-Rose was a beautiful vibrant colourful little character who loved dancing and loved life in general.”

Family took Layla-Rose to the A&E department at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Friday night with a high temperature and stomach pain.

Ms McNamara said: “Her temperature was above 40°C. It wouldn’t come down with Calpol or ibuprofen and Layla-Rose was complaining of a tummy and headache.

“They managed to get her temperature down but within a very short space of time she had gone.”

Initial test results found it was meningococcal meningitis, an infection which causes the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.

Family friend Hannah Morrey, who danced with Layla Rose, her older sister Melika, and Kirsty, described the Oasis Academy Limeside pupil as an ‘incredible little girl’ with a ‘beautiful smile and infectious laugh’.

Hannah spoke to the M.E.N on behalf of Layla Rose’s family, who live in Oldham.

She said: “I met Layla Rose and her mum and sister through dancing. I dance in a troupe based in Stoke-on-Trent called Crystal Shandelles, and they danced for Collettes in Oldham .

“She had this cheeky, infectious laugh and beautiful smile and absolutely loved her little dancing friends.”

Hannah explained that Layla had appeared fine during the day and had even been to school before she was rushed to hospital on Friday night.

She added: “She fell asleep smiling at her mummy like she always did.

“Doctors confirmed it was the worst case of meningitis that Royal Oldham Hospital has ever seen.”

Hannah launched a fundraising page to support the family and in just several hours it had already raised £4,000.

The total now stands at just over £8,000, but Hannah hopes to get it to £10,000.

“I just felt helpless after Layla-Rose passed away. No amount of money can bring her back but I thought it would be one less thing Kirsty would need to think about.

“No one should have to bury their child, or worry about how they can fund the best send off their baby deserves.

“Money shouldn’t have to be an issue at a time like this. However they choose to spend the money I would be happy knowing I’ve been able to do a little something for my friend and her family through this heartbreaking time.”

The family now await official test results to confirm the doctor’s findings and specifically which strain of the virus led to her death

On Sunday Crystal Shandelles released more than 100 balloons into the sky in memory of the youngster.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Layla-rose-x