An eight-year-old boy shot dead on a farm has left locals mourning the death(Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Warcop community in mourning as schoolboy, 8, dies after gunshot to head in field

Members of the public are in mourning after the tragic death of an eight-year-old boy in Warcop, with one describing the incident as 'terrible' while others send their thoughts to those affected

by · The Mirror

A boy has died after being shot on a farm, leaving the community in mourning as members of the public pay tribute to the youngster.

The eight-year-old, who has not been named, was shot in an incident in Warcop, where residents believe the shooting may have been an accident. Neighbours to the incident and those believed to have known the youngster at the heart of the tragedy have commented on the incident described by one as "terrible".

Others were left feeling for the family of the youngster and their family, with comments from members of the public offering their thoughts to those affected by the incident.

Family traumatised after 'road rage knifeman followed them for 30 minutes'The 'shaken' family drove to a police station after being stalked by a road rage van driver - but were allegedly told no officer could be sent out due to a 'lack of resources'Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas, Ben Perrin, 29 Sep 2024
Members of the public have spoken on the 'terrible' incident( Image: Frank Chalmers / SWNS)

One heartbroken member of the public said: "I heard what happened and it's terrible. This is all word of mouth but apparently it was an accident. The guy has been arrested on gross negligence manslaughter so that's what we think has happened. One of my friends told me the news and I didn't believe them at first.

"It's very sad. It's so quiet around here and not a lot goes on. I want to send my condolences to them because it is a horrible thing that has happened. But even if it is an accident it is horrible because he has to live with that."

Another person, a mum in the village, said: "We don't know fully what happened yet. I read earlier that it was an accidental discharge of the weapon. A lot of us have kids of that age. It's a very tight knit community. We all have kids at that school so there was panic this morning that it may have been someone we knew.

One person said it has been 'quiet' in the area since the shooting( Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

"I read an e-mail from our school saying the victim didn't go there so we don't know where they were from. It is quite shocking and you really feel for the family. It is terrible news." A third man, who was also a parent, added: "I've had my friends ask me this morning about it. It's a sad thing to happen here but I don't know the family. It's a quiet village but people have been quiet about it so far today."

The Mirror previously reported on the incident, with emergency services scrambled to the scene of the shooting. A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault grievous bodily harm (GBH). He is now under arrest and in custody on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "Police and NWAS [North West Ambulance Service] attended. The firearm was secured at the scene by police and an eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance having suffered serious and life-threatening injuries to his head and face. Sadly, the boy has died overnight."