Tributes paid to four-year-old boy who died after gravestone fell in cemetery
Emergency services were called to the incident at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Burnley Road at 1pm on Saturday, July 5, after reports that a gravestone had fallen onto the child.
(Image: Phil Taylor) Lancashire Constabulary confirmed that despite their best efforts, the boy died.
Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “My thoughts go out to the family and everyone affected by the tragic incident in Rawtenstall cemetery, which has claimed the life of a four-year-old boy.”
Andy MacNae (Image: Houses of Parliament) Additionally, Cllr Liz McInnes, lead member for communities, housing, health and well-being, has said that the “whole of Rawtenstall is grieving”, after the tragic incident.
She said: “This is a terrible tragedy. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the family of this poor boy. The whole of Rawtenstall is grieving.”
Liz McInnesREAD MORE: Four-year-old boy dies after gravestone falls in cemetery
Police have confirmed that his death is not being treated as suspicious and said they will pass a file to the coroner’s office “in due course”.
Rawtenstall Cemetery (Image: Danny Crompton)
(Image: Phil Taylor)
Rossendale Borough Council has also confirmed that it is working with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances of the incident.
A council spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery on Saturday. Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time.
“Rossendale Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm on Saturday, July 5 following reports a gravestone had fallen onto a child.
“Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.”
Source – INDIA TV
