The death of a young Crawley schoolgirl could be linked to swine flu, it has emerged.

Tests have been carried out on the nine-year-old pupil from Three Bridges Junior School to establish exactly how she died.

Results are expected in the next week but Health bosses say the virus may be partly responsible.

The unnamed girl, a Year 5 student, died at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill last Sunday (oct 18).

In a letter to parents, her headteacher Matthew Westgarth, and Angela Iverson from the Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Agency, said: “The cause of the child's death is not yet known.

“However, influenza type A H1N1 (swine flu) may be a possible contributory factor.”

It is not known if the child had any serious underlying health problems.

West Sussex director of public health and wellbeing, Judith Wright, said: “We are aware of the tragic death of a child in Crawley.

“However, until results of the post mortem and associated tests are available we will not fully understand the cause of this child’s death and we are unable to comment any further at this time.

“We are working closely with the child’s family, and the school involved, to support them and we would urge people to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

The school is staying open and parents have been told there is no reason for them to be concerned about sending their child in.

News of the girl's death emerged as the NHS launched its swine flu vaccination campaign in Sussex.

The jab will be offered to frontline health workers across Sussex first and GP surgeries will start getting their first deliveries of the vaccine from Monday.

The number of swine flu cases throughout Sussex has been steadily rising in recent weeks with some schools reporting dozens of pupils off sick with swine flu or similar viruses.

At risk groups offered the vaccine first include all pregnant women,those with respiratory problems like asthma and people in close contact with chemotherapy patients.

Hospitals and GP surgeries are bracing themselves for one of their busiest winters yet as the combined effects of both swine flu and the annual seasonal flu hit.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Duncan Selbie recently told staff the challenge of tackling swine flu could be greater than anything we have seen before and they had a professional and moral obligation to get vaccinated.

South East Coast strategic health authority medical director Yvonne Doyle said: “This is the first pandemic for which we have had a vaccine to protect people.

“I encourage everyone in the priority groups to take advantage of the vaccine to protect themselves from swine flu.

“People should not underestimate the effects of swine flu. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are great if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions.”

Anyone concerned they or a relative has swine flu should call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513513.

Symptoms are fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills and in some cases vomiting and diarrhoea.

Those in special groups such as children under one or who have underlying medical conditions should call their GP.

Click here for our dedicated swine flu section, which includes links to information resources and a blog from Hove GP Dr Nigel Higson.