An eight-year-old boy has tragically passed away after sustaining severe injuries in a shooting incident at a farm in Cumbria. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, and police have since launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Cumbria Police reported that they were alerted to the situation around 2:50 PM. The farm, located in the Warcop area, became the scene of a major emergency response after authorities received a call reporting that a child had been seriously injured by a firearm.
Upon arrival, both police officers and the North West Ambulance Service found the young boy with life-threatening injuries to his head and face. He was immediately treated on-site before being airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.
The firearm involved in the incident was secured by police at the scene. While the exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, law enforcement is working to establish the full details of what transpired that afternoon.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the boy succumbed to his injuries overnight, leaving the local community in shock and mourning. His death has raised concerns about firearm safety, particularly in rural settings.
In response to the incident, police arrested a man in his 60s at the scene. Initially, he was taken into custody on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH), as authorities sought to understand how the child sustained such devastating injuries.
As the investigation progressed, the man’s charges were upgraded. Cumbria Police later confirmed that he is now being held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, a charge that reflects the serious nature of the case.
The authorities have not yet released further details about the relationship between the man and the child or how the firearm came to be discharged. Investigators are continuing to piece together evidence and are likely to interview witnesses to clarify the sequence of events.
The incident has left the local Warcop community in deep shock. People are expressing their condolences for the family of the boy, who are now facing unimaginable grief following the tragic loss.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, as they continue their investigation to ensure that all aspects of the case are fully understood and justice is served.