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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Sarah Scott

Ballymoney: PSNI statement following death of two-year-old boy

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a two-year-old boy in Co Antrim is ongoing, police have said.

PSNI officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council following the tragedy in Ballymoney on Friday, November 11.

It is understood the child died after the incident which occurred in the Bravallen Road area of the town.

READ MORE: Young child dies suddenly at Co Antrim farm

In a statement on Saturday, a PSNI spokeswoman said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSE NI) and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a two-year-old boy in the Bravallen Road area of Ballymoney.

"Local officers continue to support the family at this difficult time."

Tributes and condolences have poured in from across the country for the young boy and his family.

SDLP group leader councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said the entire area was in shock following the heart-breaking incident.

"I’d like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the child who lost their life at a farm in the Ballymoney area on Friday," she said.

"I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through, but I know that everyone right across this area is thinking of them at this awful time.

"This is an absolutely terrible tragedy which has reverberated throughout the community here as seen by the huge outpouring of grief and support for those affected. I know people in Ballymoney will rally around this family and help them in any way they can as they come to terms with this unspeakable loss."

Last night, local DUP councillor, Mervyn Storey, told Belfast Live: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. This family has been plunged into unimaginable sorrow.

"Ballymoney as a community, when this news began to break this evening, has just been in sorrow because we are families, we have children of our own, I'm a grandparent.

"I know well how we love our children and love our families, and for this to happen is just unimaginable sorrow that the family and family circle are going through tonight.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we as a community will have to be with this family for many days to come."

Patricia O’Lynn, Alliance MLA for North Antrim, has expressed her shock and devastation following the news.

"Ballymoney is a close-knit town with family at its heart," said Dr O’Lynn. "To hear of the loss of a child is simply heart-breaking; the grief of the family, and the town, is beyond words.

"My every thought is with this family tonight as they face a tragedy beyond measure."

In a statement, a Northern Ireland Ambulance Spokesperson said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance service received a 999 call at 12.32 on Friday 11 November, following reports of a farm incident in Ballymoney.

"NIAS despatched a Rapid Response Emergency Paramedic, an Emergency Crew and an Ambulance Officer to the incident.

“Following assessment, the patient was taken to Causeway Hospital.”

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