Police issue update over 8-year-old’s death after being shot in head on farm

A man was arrested following the incident

On Saturday (September 28), police were called to a farm north of Warcop area at around 2:50pm following a report that a child had been seriously injured by a firearm at the property.

An eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance having suffered life-threatening injuries to his head and face. He sadly died in hospital overnight.

A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault gross bodily harm, and was later arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

The firearm was also secured at the scene.

In an update on Sunday evening, Cumbria police announced the man had been bailed whilst investigations continue into the incident.

Police have encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation can report to police online here, quoting incident number 135 of 28 September 2024. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.