'Heartfelt' sympathy after child killed by branch

A council has said it is "extremely saddened" and extended its "heartfelt condolences" after a child in Surrey was killed by a falling tree branch.

Emergency services were called to Grove Place in Banstead just after 16:00 GMT on Saturday to reports a child was trapped by part of a fallen tree.

The age and gender of the child are unknown.

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of the London Borough of Sutton, called the incident "tragic".

"On behalf of the council and community I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young person who lost their life," he said in a statement.

"We are working to support the police as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this."

The incident is not believed to be suspicious, but inquiries to establish the circumstances and into who is responsible for the land are ongoing, according to Met Police.

It said a report would be prepared for the coroner in due course.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) attended the scene, along with paramedics from London Ambulance Service and a fire crew from Surrey Fire and Rescue.

LFB assistant commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said that despite the efforts of emergency service personnel, the child was declared dead at the scene.

He added: "The thoughts of our crews and staff across the entire brigade are with the child's family at this difficult time."

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