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A YOUNG girl has died after a wall collapsed on to her at a secondary school in Edinburgh - after pupils claimed it had been "wobbly" for months.

Keane Wallis-Bennett, 12, died after being crushed by the wall at Liberton High School in Edinburgh just before 10am.

The Scottish Ambulance Service attended the scene but despite treatment Keane was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's understood the tragedy occurred in the school's PE department.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh responded to Liberton High School after a wall within the building collapsed, injuring a female pupil at 10:00.

"She was treated by ambulance staff on the scene, but was pronounced dead.

"Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and we are working alongside our relevant partner agencies."

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One parent explained how the school had sent a text message to alert them to the situation.

He said: "I believe my wife got a text from the school to describe what had happened and to reassure everyone I guess.

"My daughter is in first year so she might know the person involved. It's very upsetting for the children."

Live updates

A large emergency response, involving police and the Scottish Ambulance Service, was prompted by the incident.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Tollcross, McDonald Road, Liberton and Newcraighall were sent to a "collapsed structure" at the school at around 10am.

A service spokeswoman said: "Firefighters assisted ambulance personnel to remove a female casualty from a collapsed structure but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene. Thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."

A spokeswoman for Edinburgh City Council said: "A pupil at Liberton High School has sadly died following an incident at the school.

"Senior education staff and health and safety officers from the council are at the school providing support to staff and pupils."

(Image: PA/David Cheskin)

Edinburgh City Council was fined £8000 in February after a girl at the same school was seriously injured when she fell more than 16ft (5m) as teachers tried to free her from a broken-down lift.

The schoolgirl, then aged 15, suffered three fractured vertebrae, bruising over her lower back and a sprained wrist as a result.

She remained in hospital for two days before being discharged and was unable to return to school for a further two weeks, the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) said at the time.

The HSE confirmed in February that it had investigated the incident and a prosecution was brought against the local authority for "serious safety failings".

The council was fined at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the HSE said.

Edinburgh Southern SNP MSP Jim Eadie, whose constituency covers the school, said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic incident, and the thoughts of the entire community are with the family and friends of this young girl.

"Inquiries into the full circumstances of what happened will be under way, and Police Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council will determine exactly what took place."

Councillor Nick Cook, who represents the Liberton/Gilmerton ward, said: "It's tragic and troubling news out of Liberton High School.

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with the family.

"But serious questions need to be asked as to how this incident managed to come about."

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "HSE is aware and is liaising with Police Scotland."

The latest incident is the second tragedy to hit the school in recent months.

Jamie Skinner, 13 - understood to be a pupil at Liberton High School - died after collapsing on a football pitch in the city during a match in December.

The teenager was playing for Edinburgh-based Tynecastle FC against Spartans FC when he collapsed on the Saughton Astro pitch in Edinburgh at the end of last year.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Awful news from Liberton High. My thoughts & condolences with family & friends."

Local MP Ian Murray also took to Twitter, saying: "Tragic news coming from Liberton High School. My thoughts go out to the family and all at the school. Dreadful news."