A headteacher has paid tribute to a four-year-old pupil who died after contracting Strep A bacteria describing him as a "friendly boy" who was "constantly smiling".

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

He was given antibiotics to treat a rash on his body prior to his death, but was also suffering with a cough and complained of stomach pains.

He died at his home on Monday, November 14, after suffering a cardiac arrest. 

Stuart Cook, the headteacher, described Ibrahim as a "friendly boy" who loved coming to school.

A Just Giving page has been set up by the school with donations going towards his memorial and a charity of the family's choosing.

He said: "He had lots of energy and was always active. He particularly loved being outdoors in Forest School. He was constantly smiling.

"We will miss him terribly. We have been touched by the response from the Oakridge School Community who have shared their condolences and laid flowers.

"They have also raised over £4000 for charity and for a memorial at the school, so that Ibrahim will always have a place here.

"The children have had some lovely thoughts about how we can remember and celebrate Ibrahim’s time here at Oakridge.

"We will miss him dearly."

His funeral was held on Thursday, November 24, where his family attended and teaching staff from the Oakridge School and Nursery in High Wycombe.

Mum Shabana Kousar described having a close bond with her little boy.

She said: “The loss is great and nothing will replace that. He was very helpful around the house and quite adventurous, he loved exploring and enjoyed the forest school, his best day was a Monday and said how Monday was the best day of the week.

"He also had a very close bond with his dad. He was his best friend and went everywhere with him. He just wanted to be with him." 

Shabana's sister-in-law Azra Ali contacted the Free Press hoping to make parents aware of the virus.

Azra explained what happened to Ibrahim prior to his death.

Ibrahim developed a rash and was rushed to the doctors, where he was issued antibiotics.

He suffered with a high temperature and complained on the Sunday night (November 13) that he wasn't feeling well.

He was taken to the doctors the following morning but was told to go home and have calpol and water, his family claim. 

That evening, Muhammad Ibrahim suffered breathing difficulties and went into a cardiac arrest and died.

The family were told he had iGAS in his blood stream for a month. 

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed this is a very rare case, where the "infection can become invasive (iGAS) and enter parts of the body where bacteria aren’t normally found, which can be serious."

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.