School brawl probed after death | NSW News | Breaking State News in New South Wales

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A TEENAGE boy who is believed to have been involved in a schoolyard brawl on the NSW north coast has died in hospital.

Police initially said the 14-year-old suffered serious head injuries during an altercation at a high school at Mullumbimby about 11.15am (AEST) on Friday.

But a development in the investigation has cast doubt on the cause of his injuries, with a teacher saying the pupil appeared to be unwell before the fight took place, according to police.

"There was a melee that went on but we are not sure if he was involved or standing on the fringes," a police spokeswoman said.

"A teacher questioned the child before recess because he didn't seem to be himself, and perhaps he wasn't feeling well.

"Yes he suffered head injuries."

The year nine student was taken to Mullumbimby Hospital in a critical condition and was later transferred to the Gold Coast Hospital.

Gold Coast Hospital nurse manager Colleen Black said the boy died on Saturday morning.

"He passed away in some time in the last two hours," she told AAP shortly before 12.40pm (AEST).

Police will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and are currently interviewing students who witnessed the brawl, the police spokeswoman said.