An 8-year-old boy has been fatally shot in the head and face yesterday while allegedly hunting rabbits on farmland in Warcop Cumbria. A man in his 60s was bailed after being arrested.
The schoolboy died overnight hours after the horror unfolded on a hillside close to Wheatsheaf Farm, near Warcop, in Cumbria at around 2.50pm.
The child was rushed to hospital by air ambulance with serious and life-threatening injuries but sadly died overnight.
Police arrested a man in his 60s nearby on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, who was then later bailed.
Cumbria Constabulary said a firearm was secured by officers at the scene.
It is understood the pair were on the land hunting rabbits.
Warcop, Cumbria
One of the local tenants who uses the pasture said they believed those involved could be members of the traveller community.
“We just rent that land… There’s the gypsy fair on Brough Hill, so apparently it’s some of them. That’s the rumour going around.”
Another person added they didn’t know the Cumbria boy, but they believed he was from outside of the local area.
“I actually don’t know him. I don’t think he’s from our area. I think it was someone from out of the area, from what I can gather.”
The famous Appleby Horse Fair, which attracts around 10,000 travellers each year, is based around six miles from the site of the tragedy.
Another farmer who works on the land also said the child’s family is “deeply upset”.
“It was a tragic accident, I feel so sorry for the family.
“Our thoughts are with them. It’s deeply upsetting.”
It’s understood that a farm near to the field where the shooting took place does not have any livestock – and instead rents out its lands for sheep grazing.
Local reports
Local Frank Chalmers, 73, said he saw five police cars and an air ambulance at the scene at around 3pm as he drove past to his home in nearby Brough.
“I was just passing by in the car when I saw the police and an air ambulance.”
“It is the most awful tragedy for the family and the community.”
Another witness says, “We saw two CSI people in white suits in the field, that was after 4pm.”
Someone else reported, “The CSI track seemed to be going up hill and bearing to the left through the hedge, with stick markers.”
A Cumbria Police spokesperson said, “Police are investigating following the death of an eight-year-old boy.
“Emergency services were called at around 2.50pm yesterday (28 Sept) to a farm in the Warcop area following a report that a child had been seriously injured by a firearm at the property.
“The firearm was secured at the scene by police and an eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance having suffered serious and life-threatening injuries to his head and face.”
“Sadly, the boy has died overnight.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- LBC reports this heartbreaking event highlights the urgent need for stricter firearm regulations, especially in rural areas where children may be exposed to dangerous situations. (Read more)
- BBC highlighted how the death of this young boy raises serious questions about firearm safety practices in agricultural settings. Authorities must ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future. (Read more)
- Daily Record reported this incident underscores the risks associated with hunting and firearms, particularly for children. The community is left in shock, mourning a life cut tragically short. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the 8-year-old boy in Cumbria?
The boy was fatally shot in the head and face while allegedly hunting rabbits on farmland near Warcop, Cumbria. He was airlifted to the hospital but died overnight.
Who was arrested in connection with the incident?
A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter but has since been bailed as investigations continue.
Where did the incident take place?
The shooting occurred on farmland close to Wheatsheaf Farm near Warcop in Cumbria.
Was the firearm recovered?
Cumbria Constabulary confirmed a firearm was secured by officers at the scene.
Is there any indication of the community involved?
Local sources suggest that those involved might be members of the traveller community, although this has not been officially confirmed.
