Water park investigation after girl, 4, dies

A multi-agency investigation is under way into the circumstances surrounding the death of a four-year-old girl after her visit to a water park.

The girl died in hospital following an incident at Waterworld in Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent, at about 16:20 BST on Monday, Staffordshire Police said.

The attraction, which remained closed on Tuesday out of respect for the girls family, said she was found unconscious in the Lagoon area of its Aqua Park.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirmed its environmental health team was working with the police and venue to "undertake a full health and safety investigation".

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Waterworld said its aqua park, mini golf and mini village would re-open on Wednesday.

"Resuming daily life and operations remains incredibly difficult. Our thoughts are, above all, with the family and their loved ones following the events of Monday," it said.

"We remain committed to supporting the community and would like to thank you all for your support."

Steve Watkins, the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: "We were all devastated to hear of the death of a four-year-old girl at Waterworld.

"This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones."

Waterworld said on Monday that lifeguard and management teams performed CPR on the girl before emergency services arrived.

All visitors were asked to leave the pool during the rescue operation, a company spokesperson said.

Det Ch Insp Lucy Maskew, of Staffordshire Police, said officers were making inquiries and urged people not to speculate about the incident.

The force asked anyone who witnessed the incident or had knowledge of it to call 101.

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