She was struck by a lorry at a school crossing while guiding the pupils across the road in Glasgow’s East End.

The woman suffered serious injuries and paramedics battled to save her before she was transferred by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary. She was pronounced dead a short time later.

It happened in Fielden Street, off Gallowgate, and the crossing was busy with youngsters heading to nearby St Anne’s Primary. None of the children were hurt.

The lorry driver was uninjured.

The woman was employed by Cordia, the arm’s length company set up by Glasgow City Council to provide services in the city.

Louise Jarvie, the head teacher of St Anne’s Primary, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this very sad time.

“Support and counselling for pupils and staff will be available to anyone who needs it.”

Crash investigators were at the scene and the road was closed at Gallowgate.

Officers are trying to establish exactly what happened.

A police spokeswoman said: “A woman has died following a road traffic incident early today. We are trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We are appealing to witnesses to come forward because the area would have been particularly busy at that time.”

Anyone who can help should contact Strathclyde Police Road Policing Unit at Helen Street on 0141 532 6400.