Child dies after headstone falls on him at cemetery

An “entire town is mourning” after a little boy was killed at the cemetery when a headstone fell on him.

A four-year-old boy has tragically died after a gravestone reportedly fell onto him in a cemetery.

Paramedics rushed to Rawtenstall Cemetery in Lancashire, UK, at around 1pm today where police confirmed the boy had sadly died.

Lancashire Police have said his death is not being treated as suspicious and said they will pass a file to the HM Coroner “in due course”, The Sun reported.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm today [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.”

A toddler has been killed by a gravestone in cemetery. Picture: Google Maps

Rossendale Council said it is working with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances of the incident.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery on Saturday,” a council spokesperson said. “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.”

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.”

Liz McInnes, lead member for communities, housing, health and well-being, has said that the “whole of Rawtenstall is grieving”, after the tragic incident.

The toddler died after a headstone fell on him. Picture: Supplied

“This is a terrible tragedy. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the family of this poor boy. The whole of Rawtenstall is grieving,” she said.

Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious and will pass a file to the coroner’s office.

Rossendale Council has also confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph that it is working with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances of the incident.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and was republished with permission.