The last moments of Bexleyheath Academy pupil Philip Lamin's life have been revealed at an inquest, days before what would have been his 18th birthday.

Witness statements read out at Southwark Coroner's Court today revealed desperate attempts by his classmates, teachers and medical professionals to save the budding footballer's life.

He collapsed on February 5 last year after scoring a goal during a game of after-school football at Goals in Graham Road, Bexleyheath.

Despite many resuscitation attempts, lasting more than an hour, he was pronounced dead that evening at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

His friend Milan Scekic told police: "I saw my friend Philip play football at school and fall to the ground and then die in hospital.

"I knew him for eight years, we lived near each other.

"I was watching him play football at 3.30pm for 20 minutes, I was 15 yards away.

"I saw him going for a tackle and he made a weird sound like he was having a fit.

"His left arm went backwards but no one was near him, it looked like his legs gave way. His shoulders hit the ground first.

"I ran towards him and put his bag under his head. He wasn't moving and his eyes were rolling up. I put him in recovery position."

Head of PE Sean Wiltshire ran on to the pitch to help administer first aid, continuing to give chest compressions even after ambulance staff arrived.

Mr Wiltshire then accompanied him to the hospital with ambulance staff, where he met Philip's mother Juliet at the hospital along with other pupils and staff.

He said: "I'd known Philip for four years and he never seemed to have medical problems and he'd never complained of any conditions or injuries." 

Coroner Lorna Tagliavini recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

She said: "This was an unfortunate and unexpected death for a young person and my condolences go to his family, friends and his school."

The cause of death was given as pulmonary oedema and idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (heart defects).

Since his death his mother Juliet, a drug and alcohol councillor of Belvedere, has devoted much of her life to helping other young people.

She told News Shopper: "His friends have organised something for his birthday, it would have been his 18th on Tuesday (November 18).

"They would do anything for him and he held them in such high regard.

"He was my only child and I would have loved to have seen what he would have turned out like. He had been scouted by a football coach to do that professionally after his GCSEs.

"But his death has opened a door in terms of allowing me to support other young people. They share their lives with me and I help them through difficulties - this helps me grieve.

"I would have preferred my son to be here today but we can’t stop what has happened. 

"I want to take his opportunity to thank the Bexley community – their support and his school’s support has been overwhelming. It’s made me realise I live in one of the best boroughs in the country."