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‘Rare’ blanket measure may be used at primary schools after at least nine UK deaths from bacterial infection

At least eight children have died from invasive Strep A infection since September

The UKHSA said the preventative measure would be 'exceptional'

All children in the same year at primary schools as children with Strep A could be given antibiotics in a "rare" move due to "exceptional circumstances" after eight died from the infection

It comes after an eighth child died from Strep A.

Morelands Primary, in Waterlooville, Hampshire, reportedly said it is “absolutely devastated” by the loss of one of its pupils.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged medics to take "low threshold" after the deadly infection was linked to the deaths of seven children including a 12-year-old in South London

"We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year compared to usual. The bacteria we know causes a mild infection which is easily treated with antibiotics and in rare circumstances it can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness"

Hanna Roap's father believes she could have survived if she had been given antibiotics