Toddler and young child critical after near drownings at Morayfield

Neighbours have described as “beautiful little boys” two toddlers fighting for life after they were found in a backyard swimming pool north of Brisbane. It comes as yet another devastating blow for the family, who have already lost one child.

The pool from which the two children were pulled unconscious. Picture: Nine News

NEIGHBOURS have described as “beautiful little boys” two toddlers fighting for life after they were found in a backyard swimming pool north of Brisbane. It comes as yet another devastating blow for the family, who have already lost one child.

The two toddlers - Michael Porter, 2, and Josh Porter, 16 months - remain in a critical condition today after a near-drowning at Morayfield yesterday.

Paramedics were called to a pool at a private residence on Michael Ave at 4.31pm yesterday with ­reports of two unconscious children being pulled from the water.

Paramedicas treated the pair at the scene ­before they were taken to hospital.

One of the children was taken to Queensland Children’s Hospital, while the other was taken to Caboolture Hospital.

An aerial view of the house at Morayfield. Picture: Nine News

The boys are the children of Jo and Carmen Porter.

Neighbours Garry Bryan and Judy Sharman have known the family involved for nearly seven years, and described the children as “beautiful little boys”.

Ms Sharman said that whole community was praying for them.

Mr Bryan said that the older of the two children, Michael, was “full of energy”.

“He’s always out wanting to help dad now the lawn,” he said.

The family have already had suffered immense grief after earlier losing their daughter, who died prematurely at 16 weeks.

Mr Bryan said that when the ambulance arrived, he rushed over to the property to help the paramedics get round to the pool.

“I stayed and opened the gate for them (paramedics),” he said.

Friends of the family have come out to support the family, posting messages on social media.

“They are lovely people,” family friend Mafa Tafa Faapepele said.

“I have no doubt they are devastated about what happened and like every parent feel that guilt.”

Tasha Jayne Sutcliffe is praying that the two boys pull through.

“Amazing parents and very friendly people,”she said.

Sophie Lee said that Mrs Porter is the most loving and caring person she knows.

“My heart is breaking for the family and I am praying that the boys make a full recovery,” she said.

Jo and Carmen Porte. (Facebook image)

Originally published as Toddler and young child critical after near drownings at Morayfield