A YOUNG boy who died following a firearm incident on land near Warcop has been named by police - as officers appeal for witnesses to assist them with their investigation.

The child who died following the incident on Saturday, September 28 has been identified as eight-year-old Jay Cartmell of Frizington.

Emergency services were first called out on Saturday afternoon to a farm in the Warcop area following a report that a child had been seriously injured by a firearm.

Police and ambulance crews attended. A gun was secured at the scene by police and the child now identified as Jay was taken to hospital by air ambulance having suffered 'serious and life-threatening injuries' to his head and face.

He sadly died overnight.

A man in his 60s was arrested following the incident and has since been released on bail.

The community has since expressed its shock at the news. MP Tim Farron, who is MP for the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency, said: "This is an absolutely heartbreaking tragedy. I am praying for the family of the child and all those affected."

As officers continue with their enquiries into this incident, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.

Anyone with information which may assist can report to police online at cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 135 of September 28 2024. You can also phone on 101.

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