A two-year-old boy has died after a fireplace and adjoining television fell on him as he was dancing with his older sister when his mother was out of work.
The toddler, whose name was today confirmed by a coroners’ court as Carter Walsh, was fatally injured in the accident at his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester.
It is understood that Carter was crushed when the fireplace and adjoining television collapsed.
Carter was rushed to hospital with serious injuries yesterday but sadly died a short time later.
Neighbours said that Carter’s mother had gone to work leaving her daughter – who is of legal age to supervise her brother – in charge.
There was a large emergency services presence near Fisher Close in Wigan as police, paramedics and an air ambulance scrambled to the scene yesterday afternoon.
One resident said: ‘We saw a lot of police and ambulance activity but didn’t know what it was at the time.
‘Now we know, it is appalling news. I feel so sorry for the family.’
Meanwhile tributes have flooded in online to the toddler.
On Facebook Ellie Sutcliffe said: ‘RIP Carter you beautiful boy what a cruel world we live in.’
Vikki Taylor posted: ‘My heart is broke for you all. RIP Carter.’ Claire Louise added: ‘RIP Little Carter.’
A fundraising appeal has been set up in Carter’s memory.
The page reads: ‘Hi my name is Karen I am doing a GoFund page on behalf of my niece Samantha who has tragically loss her two-year-old son Carter to a fatal accident.’
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told : ‘At around 2.15pm yesterday, officers were called to reports regarding a concern for welfare of a child on Fisher Close, Wigan.
‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a two-year-old boy died at hospital. Enquiries are ongoing.’
A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: ‘We attended an incident at a private address following a 999 call at 14.06.
‘An ambulance, air ambulance, response vehicle, advanced paramedic attended.. A patient was taken to hospital by road.’