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Boy, 5, dies after falling from harbour wall in Cornwall tourist town

The boy fell of the harbour wall in Padstow and died later in Bristol Hospital with his parents present

Rich Booth,Lucy Skoulding
Sunday 25 June 2023 15:50 BST
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A boy was rushed to hospital but died a short time later after the incident in Padstow
A boy was rushed to hospital but died a short time later after the incident in Padstow (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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A five-year-old boy has died after falling from a harbour wall at a Cornwall tourist spot.

Devon and Cornwall Police said emergency services were called at around 11:45am on Saturday 24 June following reports of a child having fallen from the harbour wall in Padstow.

The child, who is a five-year-old local boy, was rushed to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske near to Truro by air ambulance and later transferred to Bristol Hospital for treatment.

Police are currently treating the boy’s death as a tragic accident.

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “A child has died following an incident in Padstow yesterday, Saturday 24 June. Currently, police are treating this death as a tragic accident.

“Our thoughts are with family and loved ones of the child during this difficult time.”

It comes as a seperate incident saw a 15-year-old girl die after being pulled from the sea at Cleethorpes beach in north east Lincolnshire.

She was one of two children airlifted to hospital just after 7.30pm on Saturday.

Humberside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that a girl, aged 15, has sadly passed away following a multi-agency search to locate two missing children off the coast of Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire.”

Detective Inspector Nathan Reuben said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family at this incredibly difficult time.

“We ask that they are given the time and space to process this tragic news. The family is being supported by specially trained officers.

Police say they are treating the boy’s death as a tragic accident at this stage
Police say they are treating the boy’s death as a tragic accident at this stage (Google Maps)

“The boy who was also recovered from the water was taken to the hospital to receive medical care. He has since been discharged.

“We are working together with all the relevant agencies including Humberside Fire and Rescue services and the Coastguard to fully understand the circumstances of the tragic accident.”

The girl will not be named at the request of the family, police said.

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they are carrying out inquiries on behalf of the coroner.

If anyone has information they are urged to contact the force on 101 and quote log number 435 24 June.

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