“The whole of Rawtenstall is grieving”
Neighbours recalled hearing sirens and helicopter near to where a four-year-old boy tragically lost his life on Saturday (July 5), as heartbreaking tributes have been paid.
The boy, who has not been named, died at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Rossendale, Lancashire, after a gravestone fell onto him.
Police and ambulances rushed to the scene at around 1pm on Saturday but despite the efforts of paramedics, he tragically died of his injuries.
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People living near to the large cemetery told the Manchester Evening News that they heard sirens as well as a helicopter as emergency services arrived at the scene.
One neighbour said: “I heard the helicopter, it was about lunchtime. We kept hearing sirens and police cars coming up and down the main road, but we didn’t think anything about it.”
Another neighbour said: “I only heard about it today. It tugs your heartstrings. We have a little one ourselves.”
Heartbreaking tributes have also been paid to the youngster following the tragedy. MP Andy McNae said in a statement: “My thoughts go out to the family and everyone affected by the tragic incident in Rawtenstall cemetery today which has claimed the life of a four year old boy, whose death is not being treated as suspicious.”
As Coun Liz McInnes penned: “This is a terrible tragedy. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the family of this poor boy. The whole of Rawtenstall is grieving.”
Hyndburn Labour MP, Sarah Smith, added: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the little boy who tragically lost his life yesterday at Rawtenstall Cemetery.
“My thoughts also with the emergency services who attended at the scene. A full investigation will be needed to understand what happened.”
Lancashire Constabulary have confirmed that they are not treating the death as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: “We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm on 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.”
The police have also added that the boy’s family have requested privacy and that he has not been named publicly to respect this wish.
Rossendale Borough Council operates the cemetery, which opened in the late 19th century and contains a number of older gravestones.
The council said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today. 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.”