The police said it was being treated as a ‘tragic accident’
08:28, 06 Jul 2025Updated 11:09, 06 Jul 2025
The tragic incident happened at Rawtenstall Cemetery
A four-year-old boy has died after a gravestone fell on him at a cemetery near Greater Manchester
Police and paramedics were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery on Burnley Road in Rossendale at 1pm on Saturday (July 5). Paramedics fought to save the youngster but were unable to do so, LancsLive reports.
A police spokesman said there would be no further investigation into the incident and that is was being treated as a tragic accident.
The spokesman added: “We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm on July 5 following reports a gravestone had fallen onto a child.
“Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.”
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Rawtenstall Cemetery is operated by Rossendale Borough Council. The local authority issued a statement in a post on X.
It said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today. Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time.
“Rossendale Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident.”
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