Girl, 12, dies after fall from Exeter youth centre wall

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/may/26/nicole-hartup-phoenix-youth-club-exeter

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Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident on Friday in which a 12-year-old girl died after falling from a wall at a youth centre.

Nicole Hartup died in hospital following the accident at the Phoenix Club in Burnthouse Lane, Exeter, on Friday night. Devon and Cornwall police said the schoolgirl fell from a 2.4 metre (8ft) wall and, despite immediate help from youth workers and staff from a nearby sports centre, died in hospital.

It is thought that some local children also went to help Nicole, who had been playing with her friends when the incident happened.

The cause of the death is yet to be established, although police are not treating it as suspicious at this time. Officers are speaking to a number of children and potential witnesses as part of the investigation and appealing for anyone who may have information to contact police.

Detective Sergeant Gary Matthews said: "I believe there were a lot of people in the area at the time of this very sad incident. I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or the events before and after, to please contact the police."

The police are continuing to work closely with Nicole's mother, Wendy, and her family to provide emotional support.

"Wendy wishes to pass on her sincere thanks to everyone who came to the aid of her daughter and looked after her, as well as the ambulance staff, hospital and police for their support.

"She reserved special thanks to those who comforted Nicole and gave CPR in an attempt to resuscitate her."

A memorial event has been planned for Nicole, who was a student at Isca College of Media Arts in Exeter, as family and friends took to social media to pay tribute to a "gorgeous young lady".