A five-year-old child has died after being discovered in a body of water in Badsey, Worcestershire, West Mercia Police have confirmed. Officers and ambulance crews attended the scene on the evening of 29 July following a report that a child was missing.
Emergency response and outcome
West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called at about 6:05pm. Resources sent included one ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car. On arrival, ambulance staff and police found the child unresponsive and, despite prompt treatment, the child was later confirmed dead at the scene.
Police have stated there is no third-party involvement in the youngster's death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
"This is an incredibly tragic incident. We ask the public to avoid speculation online as this is incredibly distressing to the family and we ask that their privacy is respected at such a difficult time."
What authorities have said and next steps
West Mercia Police issued an appeal to the public to refrain from online speculation while investigations continue and arrangements are made for a coroner's report. No further operational detail or names have been released.
- Location: Badsey, Worcestershire
- Age of child: five years old
- Action: report to coroner; police rule out third-party involvement
Timeline
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| Evening of 29 July | Report of a missing child in Badsey |
| About 6:05pm | Ambulance service was called; crews attended |
| Shortly after arrival | Child found unresponsive and later pronounced dead |
The loss has been described by police as "incredibly tragic" and they have asked for sensitivity from the public. As is standard in such cases where a child dies unexpectedly, the coroner will be notified and a formal report prepared. Local support services and community networks sometimes mobilise after such incidents; anyone affected is advised to seek help from family, friends or professional support organisations.
Further updates will depend on the coroner's processes and any routine inquiries by the force. No criminal investigation into third-party involvement is being pursued, according to the statement from West Mercia Police.
