Man bailed after eight-year-old boy fatally shot in head on farm

The eight-year-old boy was shot at a farm in Cumbria on Saturday afternoon and later died in hospital.

A man has been released on bail after the tragic shooting of an eight-year-old boy at a farm. The incident occurred around 2.50pm on Saturday near the A66, north of Warcop, Cumbria, where emergency services including an air ambulance were called to the scene.

Despite efforts to save him, the child succumbed to head and face injuries overnight. Initially detained for assault, a man in his 60s was later arrested for gross negligence manslaughter but has since been bailed as inquiries continue.

Cumbria Police are appealing for witnesses. Local resident Frank Chalmers recounted to PA news agency his observations while passing by the farm.

The 73-year-old said: "I passed the farm at around about 3pm and I saw the helicopter with its rotors stopped and medics marching up the hill, a lot of police, maybe five police vans. One car was parked in the middle of an empty field.

"It all looked very serious. I think with that level of police presence it’s usually a dreadful incident like a death. They don’t usually turn out in that kind of force."

He also described the area as "very, very rural".

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.