UK's largest indoor water park temporarily closed after girl, 4, died in lagoon tragedy as cops launch probe
Cops have now launched an urgent probe after the girl was found unconscious and later passed away in hospital on Monday.
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Bosses at Waterworld in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, will keep the attraction shut today following the tragedy yesterday afternoon.
They said in a statement yesterday: "Waterworld is in shock and has decided to remain closed tomorrow out of respect for the young girl's family."
Police were called to the aqua park at around 4:20pm to reports of a four-year-old girl in critical condition.
Lifeguards, staff and paramedics treated the girl at the poolside in the Lagoon area of the aqua park before she was raced to hospital.
Despite the desperate efforts of hospital staff, the four-year-old sadly passed away.
The child's family have been informed of the tragedy and are being supported by specially-trained officers, Staffordshire Police said.
A Waterworld spokesperson said: "Waterworld is deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal incident occurred at 4:15pm on Monday, August 4th, in the Lagoon area of the Aqua Park.
"A girl of 4 years old was found unconscious and treated on poolside by our lifeguard and management teams on site.
"They immediately provided CPR and called the emergency services, who arrived around 4:20pm.
"All other visitors were asked to quietly leave the pool out of respect for the rescue operation underway, and we would like to thank them for their support and collaboration.
Mum pleads GUILTY to killing daughter, 2, who was found dead in pond just yards from her home
"All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times."
Bosses say they are working "closely and openly" with the authorities to "precisely understand the circumstances of this tragic accident."
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Maskew from Staffordshire Police said: "Our thoughts are with the family at this terribly sad time.
"We are now making enquiries and looking to establish the circumstances of the incident.
"We would ask that members of the public avoid speculating in these early stages of the investigation and allow the family to grieve."
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge of it is urged to call the police.
The water park, which opened in 1989, attracts around 400,000 visitors each year and boasts three pools and 20 slides.
The Sun reported how a drowning boy was dramatically rescued from a pool at the same Waterworld in 2021.
The child was resuscitated by swift-acting lifeguards, who were praised by bosses at the Staffordshire attraction for "avoiding a tragedy".
He was rushed to hospital where he was reported to be "alert and breathing" upon arrival moments after his dramatic rescue.
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