A four-year-old girl has died following an incident at a swimming pool in Waterworld today.
Paramedics rushed to the scene at Waterworld on Festival Way in Hanley, Staffordshire, amid reports a child was in critical condition.
Both West Midlands Ambulance Service and Waterworld staff treated the youngster before taking her to hospital for further care.
But, despite best efforts of medical staff, the young girl died a shortly afterwards.
The child’s next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially-trained officers.
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.’
A Waterworld spokesperson said: ‘It is with great sadness that we learned of this little girl’s passing this evening.
‘All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times.
‘Waterworld is in shock and has decided to remain closed tomorrow out of respect for the family. Waterworld is working closely with the authorities at this sad time.’
Staffordshire Police are urging any witnesses or anyone with knowledge to contact them by calling 101 quoting incident number 460 of August 4.
