Boy, 8, dies after being 'injured by firearm' at Cumbria farm as man arrested

29 September 2024, 09:40 | Updated: 29 September 2024, 14:55

An eight-year-old boy died from a gun wound in Cumbria
An eight-year-old boy died from a gun wound in Cumbria. Picture: Frank Chalmers, Facebook

By Henry Moore

A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene.

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An eight-year-old boy has died after suffering "serious" injuries to his head and face during an incident with a gun.

The incident took place at a farm in Cumbria, a police statement confirmed.

The young boy was taken to hospital but died of his wounds overnight.

Cumbria Police said: "Police are investigating following the death of an eight-year-old boy.

Read more: One dead and two injured after triple stabbing in Clapham

"I was just passing by in the car when I saw the police and an air ambulance," local Frank Chalmers, 73, said.

A large Police presence was pictured at the scene
A large Police presence was pictured at the scene. Picture: Frank Chalmers Facebook

It is the most awful tragedy for the family and the community,” he told The Sun.

"Emergency services were called at around 2.50pm yesterday (28 Sept) to a farm in the Warcop area following a report that a child had been seriously injured by a firearm at the property.

"Police and NWAS attended. The firearm was secured at the scene by police and an eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance having suffered serious and life-threatening injuries to his head and face.

"Sadly, the boy has died overnight.

"Officers arrested a man in his 60s at the scene on suspicion of assault GBH. He remains in police custody but is now under arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter."