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Horrified primary school pupils watched on in shock as their 44-year-old teacher dropped dead in front of them in the classroom.

Science and geography teacher Giovanna Fabrica fell to the ground unconscious just as her class finished at 2pm on 10th October.

Local media reported that she was handing over to colleague Tommaso De Stefani when she collapsed onto her back at the front of the class.

Terrified children watched on as De Stefani tried desperately to save her with CPR after calling paramedics to Carlo Ederle primary school in Villa Bartolomea, Veneto Region, north-eastern Italy.

An ambulance and an air ambulance arrived on the scene in less than half an hour, and paramedics took over the resuscitation attempts but were unable to save her.

De Stefani told local media: “It all happened in a few seconds. I had just greeted her. She was calm and smiling, as ever.

“I went to the front door for a moment to place some books on a counter when I heard a thud.

“As soon as I saw her on the ground, I called her, bending over her. She didn’t respond, so I started CPR.

“I was very focused, I thought the technique was working. I hoped with all my heart that I could do it.”

Giovanna’s devastated husband, Angelo, told local media that the teacher had no underlying health conditions.

And headteacher Cristina Ferrazza revealed that the horrified young schoolchildren who had witnessed the drama would receive counselling from psychologists.

Local media reported that the teacher’s funeral would be held in her hometown of Naro, Sicily Region, southern Italy.

(T4 / ends)