A young boy has died after falling into a slurry pit on a Shropshire farm.

The youngster, who is believed to have been about seven years old, was dragged out of the pit by his father after he discovered the child at the scene of the accident between Broseley and Much Wenlock. The boy, who has not yet been named, died despite efforts to resuscitate him.

An investigation has  been launched by the Health and Safety Executive and police to establish the circumstances of the boy’s death.

They are not looking for anyone else in connection with it at this stage.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said that officers were called shortly before 2pm on Friday after it was reported a child had been found in a slurry pit on a farm in a hamlet near Broseley.

The spokesman said the child was flown to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time after his arrival.

A spokeswoman for the Midlands Air Ambulance said it was believed the boy’s family had been looking for him because he had gone missing.

She said his father discovered him in the pit and pulled him out.

“We tried in vain to save the boy but tragically he passed away,” added the spokeswoman.

In addition to the Midlands Air Ambulance, an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a young boy in cardiac arrest being given cardio pulmonary resuscitation by a member of the public.

“Crews immediately commenced advanced life support on the boy and he was flown to Princess Royal Hospital.

“Ambulance crews continued emergency medical attempts on route to hospital.

“Medics were on standby at Princess Royal Hospital awaiting the arrival of the boy who was in a critical condition.

“Unfortunately despite the best efforts of the family, ambulance crews and hospital medics nothing could be done to save the boy and he was sadly confirmed dead shortly after arrival at hospital.”

Mr Anthony Sibcy, the coroner for South Shropshire, has been informed.