Tributes as four year-old boy killed by falling gravestone at cemetery

Tearful tributes have been paid to a four-year-old boy who tragically died when a gravestone fell on him in broad daylight at a cemetery. Emergency services were called to the incident at Rawtenstall Cemetery, in East Lancashire, at 1pm on Saturday July 5th, after reports that a gravestone had fallen onto the child.

Paramedics tried to save him but "tragically" the boy died in the "devastating" incident, a Lancashire Police spokesman said. Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said: "My thoughts go out to the family and everyone affected by the tragic incident in Rawtenstall cemetery, which has claimed the life of a four-year-old boy."

Additionally, Cllr Liz McInnes, lead member for communities, housing, health and well-being, has said that the "whole of Rawtenstall is grieving", after the tragic incident.

She said: "This is a terrible tragedy. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the family of this poor boy. The whole of Rawtenstall is grieving."

Police have confirmed that his death is not being treated as suspicious and said they will pass a file to the coroner's office "in due course".

Rossendale Borough Council has also confirmed that it is working with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances of the incident.

A council spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery on Saturday. 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 spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm on Saturday, July 5 following reports a gravestone had fallen onto a child.

"Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died.

"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 cemetery, located on Burnley Road, caters for Catholic, Church of England, Non-Conformist and Muslim burials and currently holds over 21,000 burials and over around 17 acres.

There is a chapel which can seat around 40 people which can be hired for a small fee.