Schoolboy, 16, killed by cricket ball 'during mass brawl involving 40 pupils hurling chairs'

A 16-year-old schoolboy who died after he was hit in the head by a cricket ball was struck during a mass playground brawl involving up to 40 children, it was claimed today.

Police investigating the death of Kyle Rees who collapsed in the playground of his school in Bournemouth, Dorset, confirmed they are considering the huge fight as a 'line of inquiry'.

A pupil from the school said that the fight, involving '30-40 kids', broke out at around 2pm and footballs, tennis balls, shoes and chairs were thrown.

He told a local radio station he did not know what caused the incident and it was 'random copycat violence'.

Dorset police said the fight was 'one line of inquiry' in the investigation but stressed they had not yet received any other authoritative report of what happened during the fight.

The year 11 pupil collapsed and was taken to hospital unconscious, dying a day later with his mother, Tanya Cooper, by his side.

Immediately after the incident at lunchtime on Monday police cordoned off the school and interviewed potential witnesses.

'A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident, initially for an offence of assault and subsequently on suspicion of manslaughter.

'He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

'A police cordon is currently in place at the school while officers investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

'Teachers and children have been helping police with their enquiries throughout the day.' Read more