Father-of-three Lee Sims, 31, has died just days after being hit in the head with a chair by a pupil

A teaching assistant has died just days after he was hit in the head with a chair by a pupil at the special needs school where he worked.

Father-of-three Lee Sims, 31, was struck with the chair last week.

Mr Sims returned home after being hit but was found dead on Sunday morning.

The school where Mr Sims worked, Ysgol Bryn Castell and its Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit are shut today while police investigate, but the pupil referral unit, The Bridge, is open.

A post mortem examination revealed Monday that Lee Sims had showed no sign of 'assault or injury.'

Officers are continuing to investigate the sudden death.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: 'Following the results of a post mortem carried out today by a Home Office pathologist officers there is no evidence to suggest an assault or injury.

'An inquest into the death will be held in due course.

'We request that the family is allowed privacy at this sad time.'

A post mortem examination revealed Monday that Lee Sims had showed no sign of 'assault or injury' following his death. Lee Sims seen here with his wife

Mr Sims worked as a special support officer at Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bridgend, south Wales, a special school for 147 pupils aged seven to 19.

Bridgend councillor Charles Smith said: 'There was an incident with a pupil earlier in the week and the teacher has died later.

'The school is closed today while investigations are made and police are involved.

'Our first concern is the welfare of the teacher's family. Pupils are getting support.'

Sarah Swims was just one parent to pay tribute to Lee Sims on Twitter

Friends and parents have now paid tribute to 'dedicated teacher' Lee.

Friend James Scott said: 'He was an absolutely lovely guy, naughty little bugger at times but an amazing man and friend.

Sarah Richards, said: 'Condolences go out to Lee Sims family.

'Was a great teacher to my son in primary school and hundreds of others and is a massive loss to his family and children.'

Mr Sims worked as a Special Support Officer at Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bridgend (pictured) south Wales, a special school for 147 pupils aged seven to 19

One parent said: 'I am devastated at the news a member of staff has died.

'They are an amazing staff who make our children a part of their family.

'My thoughts are with the family of the member of staff who has died and all the staff at Ysgol Bryn Castell at this time of immense devastation.'

Another parent said: 'It's very sad to hear of Lee's death. He was a dedicated teacher and this is very tragic.'

Headteacher Helen Ridout (pictured) posted a message on Twitter to say the school was closed Monday due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

In response to a query on Twitter asking whether The Bridge, the pupil referral unit which shares the same site, is also shut The Bridge responded: 'Good morning, just YBC. The Bridge is open as usual. Thank you.'

Bridgend Council said in a statement: 'Bridgend County Borough Council is aware of the death of a member of staff from Ysgol Bryn Castell over the weekend.

'Our thoughts are with the family of the member of staff at this difficult time. Ysgol Bryn Castell School is currently closed and we're unable to provide any further information at this time.'

The 31-year-old was found dead at a house in Brackla, Bridgend, on Sunday morning. The school Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bryncethin, Bridgend (pictured) has been closed while an investigation is carried out



