Tribute to 'much loved' teenager who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park
Tribute to 'much loved' teenager who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park
Fellow pupils at the school Taha Soomro attended are being offered help and support after the 'much-loved' pupil's death
Taha Soomro, 16, of Grangetown, Cardiff, who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park
The high school attended by the 16-year-old boy who died after an incident at Barry Island Pleasure Park on Friday evening has paid tribute to the "much loved" pupil. Fitzalan High said everyone in the school community has been affected by the death of Taha Soomro, of Grangetown, Cardiff, who police said had suffered a medical episode.
Specialist teams will be made available for pupils and the Leckwith-based school is working closely with all the relevant agencies to provide support.
A spokesperson for Fitzalan High said: 'Taha was a much-loved member of our school community, and he will be remembered with great affection and respect.
'This tragic news has deeply affected everyone at the school, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Taha's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
'We are supporting our pupils, staff and wider school community as we come to terms with this loss. Specialist support services will be made available in school.
"We are working closely with the local authority and relevant agencies to ensure that everyone who needs help, receives it. We ask that the privacy of the family and our school community is respected as we grieve and begin the process of healing.'
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Police were called to Barry pleasure park just before 5pm on Friday May 23 but in a statement the force said that "despite efforts of emergency services, Taha died at the scene".
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause and circumstances of the teenager's death and the police have asked people to avoid speculation on social media. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
South Wales Police confirmed on Saturday May 24 that a 15 year-old boy from Cardiff was arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the death of Taha Soomro. The teenager was being held in custody but has been released on police bail as officers conduct further enquiries.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said in the latest update from the force on May 24: "We are continuing to investigate the death of 16-year-old Taha Soomro at Barry Island Pleasure Park.
"A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of assault is now on bail pending further enquiries. Taha's family has been updated and continue to be supported.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause and circumstances of Taha's death.
"Anyone who was in Barry Island Pleasure Park around the time of the incident, around 5pm on Friday, May 23, that may have information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact us."
Detectives are particularly keen to receive any mobile phone footage form the evening. Footage and information can be submitted online here.
Alternatively, anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact police by one of the following means quoting 2500163611.
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Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
Online https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
Call 101
Information can also be given via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form.
The park opened as usual on Saturday, with a statement from the owners saying: " "Very sad news, all of our team did their best to assist the emergency services but unfortunately the boy suffered a medical emergency and could not be saved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time."
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