A FOUR-year-old High Wycombe pupil has died after contracting an invasive bacterial virus.

The Oakridge School and Nursery reception pupil caught the Group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection, his family confirmed.

The school also shared the devastating news to parents and members of the community on social media.

Oakridge School and Nursery wrote: "We know that following the devastating news that one of our Reception children, Ibrahim, died earlier this week, many parents and members of the school community will want to contribute to the memory of Ibrahim. We want to create a lasting memorial in the school, so that there is always a place at Oakridge for Ibrahim - a place where he was so very happy."

Muhammad Ibrahim Ali passed away on Monday, November 14, after suffering from a rash and cough.

His family confirmed the iGAS infection was found in his blood stream.

A UK Health Security Agency South East's (UKHSA) spokesman said: "Infection with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacterium usually causes a sore throat or skin rash and is passed by physical contact or through droplets from sneezing or coughing.

"In very rare cases, the infection can become invasive (iGAS) and enter parts of the body where bacteria aren’t normally found, which can be serious.

"UKHSA advise parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of iGAS, which include high fever with severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea. Anyone with these symptoms should call NHS 111 immediately."

Parents have been warned about the signs and symptoms to look out for with iGAS.

This includes a high fever with severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea.

Anyone with these symptoms should call NHS111 immediately.

Oakridge School and Nursery's headteacher Stuart Cook said: "The school has been working closely with the Health Security Agency, who have done a thorough risk assessment of the school and we have been following their advice in order to keep everyone safe.

"We have informed parents and been told by medical professionals that the most common infections caused by Group A streptococcus are mild and anything more serious, whilst devastating, is extremely rare."