Lewisham’s mayor and cabinet lead for environment have said their thoughts are with the mother of a young girl who has become the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death.  

Ella Kissi-Debrah, who lived near the South Circular Road in Lewisham, died in 2013 when she was just nine years old after suffering three years of seizures from severe asthma attacks.    

She was admitted to hospital 27 times.  

Her mum Rosamund successfully campaigned for a new inquest into her death – today (December 16) Southwark Coroner’s Court concluded that air pollution was a factor in her daughter’s death.  

Coroner Philip Barlow said she had been exposed to “excessive” levels of air pollution. 

He said levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) near the young girl’s home exceeded World Health Organizations guidelines. 

Following the conclusion of the inquest, Damien Egan, mayor of Lewisham, and Cllr Sophie McGeevor, cabinet member for environment and transport released a joint statement.  

“Our thoughts are with Rosamund and her family at this very difficult time. 

 “Rosamund’s campaign for clean air has been hugely impactful both locally and nationally in bringing awareness to the dangers of air pollution. 

 “We support her in continuing this fight and will do everything we can to enact and call for change – working with the Government and Transport for London to try to reduce the impact of traffic and air pollution on our community. 

“Our hope is that today’s ruling is the evidence needed to effect lasting change, to finally secure a national commitment to tackling air pollution in a meaningful way,” they said.