Coroner rules air pollution contributed to London schoolgirl’s death

Air pollution contributed to the death of a London schoolgirl, a coroner has ruled, in a landmark case that could push Britain to get tougher on traffic and clean up city air.

After a two-week inquest, coroner Philip Barlow said the death in 2013 of Ella Kissi-Debrah, aged nine, was caused by acute respiratory failure, severe asthma and exposure to pollution.

“I will conclude that Ella died of asthma contributed to by exposure to excessive air pollution,” said Mr Barlow…