A two-year-old boy who was killed in a farm incident has been named locally and described as a "precious son and beloved grandson" as the local community is left in shock.
The child, who has been named as Noah McAleese, died in an accident at a Ballymoney farm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Ambulance crews received a call shortly after 12.30pm on Friday following reports of a "farm incident".
Reports say the young boy was hit by a tractor at Rosepark Farm and was rushed to hospital in Coleraine, County Londonderry, for treatment but died a short time later.
A death notice published online by McKieranans Funeral Directors says Noah would never be forgotten by the McAleese and Cassidy family, who have asked for privacy as they are left reeling from their heartbreak.
"We regret to inform you of the tragic passing of Noah Shea McAleese R.I.P. (Ballymoney & Dunloy)," the notice said.
"Precious son of Johnny and Corrina and adored brother of Cohen.
"Beloved grandson of Seamus and Betty and Kieran and the late Rosemary Cassidy.
"Adored and never forgotten by the entire McAleese and Cassidy family circle."
Dunloy Cuchullains paid tribute to the tragic two-year-old, with his father Johnny one of their former players.
"Everyone at Dunloy GA+CC was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news yesterday of the sudden passing of Noah McAleese, a statement on social media read.
"Noah is the son of our former player Johnny and his wife Corrina. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire McAleese and Cassidy family circles at this very sad time."
Before Dunloy's game against Dungloe yesterday, a minute's silence was held in memory of the young boy.
SDLP group leader councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said the entire community was in shock following the 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 in a moving statement.
"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."
North Antrim MLA Dr Patricia O'Lynn added that her thoughts were with the family of the child who are facing "unspeakable heartbreak".
"Ballymoney is a close-knit town and this news has sent waves of grief across the community," she said.
Ballymoney DUP councillor Mervyn Storey, meanwhile, said the family of the boy have been plunged into sorrow.
"Words are hard to find in commenting on this tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a little two-year-old boy," Mr Storey said.
"It is incalculable the sorrow that this family has been plunged into."
He said that when he learned of the incident he thought as a grandfather himself "how unbearable it would be to have to deal with such grief".
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family and the wider family circle at this time of sorrow and loss and assure them of our sympathy and support," he added.
Local UUP councillor Darryl Wilson, in a post on Facebook, wrote the "entire community's heart is broken" by the "terrible tragedy".
"No words can express how we are feeling, our collective hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by this devastating loss," he added.
Police are now working with health and safety authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy's death, with environmental health officers from Causeway Coast and Glens Council are also liaising with the PSNI and Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland.
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."
