'Heartfelt' sympathy after child killed by branch
A council has said it is "extremely saddened" and extended its "heartfelt condolences" after a child in Surrey was killed by a falling tree branch on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to Grove Place in Banstead just after 16:00 BST to reports a child was trapped by part of a fallen tree.
The age and gender of the child are unknown.
Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of the London Borough Sutton, called yesterday's incident "tragic".
"On behalf of the Council and community I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young person who lost their life," he said in a statement sent to the BBC.
"We are working to support the police as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this."
The incident is not believed to be suspicious, but inquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing, according to the Met Police.
"Enquiries into the circumstances, including who is responsible for the land where the tree was situated, remain ongoing," said the force.
They added a report would be prepared for the coroner in due course.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they attended the scene, along with paramedics from London Ambulance Service and a fire engine crew from Surrey Fire and Rescue.
"Despite the effort of emergency service personnel in attendance, the child was declared dead at the scene," said LFB Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne.
"The thoughts of our crews and staff across the entire Brigade are with the child's family at this difficult time."
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