Tragedy as 10-year-old Darlington schoolgirl dies in mudslide whilst on school trip

A Darlington schoolgirl has tragically died in a mudslide whilst on a school trip, it has been confirmed.

The girl has been named as Leah Harrison, who was a "much loved" pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School in Darlington.

Leah, a year six pupil, was on a school trip yesterday (May 22) near Carlton Bank when disaster struck and she was caught in a mudslide just after 1pm, prompting a huge emergency service presence in a desperate attempt to save her life.

Dozens of rescuers were at the scene near the village Carlton-in-Cleveland for several hours before it was confirmed by North Yorkshire Police that a person has died.

Chief Executive of the Lingfield Education Trust Nick Blackburn has now issued a statement on behalf of the school, paying tribute to Leah as the trust remains in a "state of shock".

He said: "The full details are still emerging but this is clearly a heartbreaking tragedy. Leah was a much-loved part of our school and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the school staff.

"Counselling is being arranged within the school for pupils and staff. We are all in a state of shock and we would ask that the privacy of the family and the school community is respected while we try to come to terms with what has happened."

*This is a breaking news story and it will be updated throughout the day today*