A boy of 12 has died after collapsing while playing football after school. The boy has been named locally as James Cook.

James was a player of Bishop Auckland St Mary’s Junior Football Club and tributes were left on their Facebook page with the message ‘RIP James Cook’.

It is believed friends and passing dog walkers desperately tried to save the life of James after he fell to the ground.

He was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

Daz Lowe, of Newton Aycliffe Eagles under 13s, sent ‘love and support’ to ‘everyone connected with James’. He added: “Rest in peace young man.”

Another coach with Bishop Auckland juniors, Ryan Buckley, added: “Thoughts and sincere condolences to all his family and friends.”

The Mirror reports that St Mary’s chairman Steve Coulthard told club members: “This is probably one of the hardest things to post but unbelievably another sad, sad day St Mary’s JFC with the loss of one of our 12-year-old players who tragically collapsed last while just kicking a ball about with his friends on the St John’s fields.

“Unfortunately it was a non-training night so no first aiders handy but we have heard local dog walkers and friends tried to resuscitate him and we thank them for their efforts. Thoughts and prayers to all his family. We are always here for the family as a footballing community so if anything is needed we will be there.”

A Great North air ambulance spokesman confirmed they had been called to the tragedy at 7.24pm on Wednesday.”We flew a patient to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough and the flight took ten minutes,” he added.

Det Insp Neil Jones, of Durham Police, said there were no suspicious circumstances but an investigation was being carried out on behalf of the coroner.

Image courtesy the Evening Chronicle Live