TRIBUTES have been paid to a five-year-old schoolgirl who died suddenly after falling ill.
Eilidh Dempsey died on Monday after being found unconscious while staying at a relative’s home.
The primary two pupil, of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, had been feeling unwell and had been kept off school by her parents.
Medics had tried to revive her but she lost her fight for life. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Her parents Debbie McGinty, 33, and Craig Dempsey have been left devastated by her sudden death.
Eilidh was a pupil at Townhill Primary School in Hamilton.
Letters were sent to parents of children at the school informing them about the tragedy.
Julie McGowan, headteacher at Townhill Primary, said: “Eilidh was a happy, friendly and enthusiastic girl who enjoyed school and we feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have been a part of her life.
“She was a credit to her family and our thoughts and prayers are with her mum, dad, family and friends.
“Support and guidance has been, and will continue to be, offered to our pupils and staff.
“I would like to thank everyone in the Townhill community for their support and the expressions of condolence for the family we have received at school.”
It is understood there are no public health concerns for Eilidh’s classmates and others who came into contact with her prior to her death.
Relatives and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Eilidh and send condolences to her parents.
Natalie Ward said: “Can’t quite comprehend the devastation but hope you will find strength in knowing it was abundantly clear how much joy and love Eilidh brought to you and you her.
“Just trying to find the right words. Nobody can.
Tracey Shanahan said: “Words are just not adequate, I can’t even begin to imagine the pain that you are going through.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We received a report around 1pm on Monday December 5 concerning the death of a five-year-old girl.
“A post mortem examination has been carried out and there are no suspicious circumstances.”
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