4-Year-Old Boy Killed After Being Crushed by a Falling Gravestone: 'Terrible Tragedy'
Lancashire Police told PEOPLE that paramedics tried to save the child, but he sustained fatal injuries in the accident
The local council is investigating the incident, and police said the boy's death is being treated as accidentalA 4-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a falling gravestone.
According to reports from the BBC, Sky News and ITV, the boy, whose name has not been made public, was at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Haslingden, Rossendale — located about 15 miles north of Manchester — at around 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 5, when the gravestone fell on him.
Lancashire Police told PEOPLE in a statement that officers and paramedics tried to save the child, but his injuries were too severe.
"Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died," police said. "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," the department added.
According to ITV and Sky News, the cemetery is operated by the local Rossendale Borough Council. The council said in a statement following the boy's death that it is working to understand how the incident happened.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today," a spokesperson said, per the outlets. "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."
A number of local officials also spoke out about the tragic incident, including Member of Parliament Andy MacNae, who wrote on social media: "My thoughts go out to the family and everyone affected by the tragic incident in Rawtenstall cemetery today which has claimed the life of a four year old boy, whose death is not being treated as suspicious."
Councillor Liz McInnes said that the local community was "grieving" following the boy's death, per the BBC.
"This is a terrible tragedy," she added. "My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the family of this poor boy."
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According to police, the boy's identity will not be made public, and the family has asked for privacy in the wake of his death.
"The boy's family have asked for their privacy to be respected and allow them space to grieve," Lancashire Police told PEOPLE. "Therefore we will not be naming the child or releasing a tribute or any photographs of him. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this delicate matter."
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