Tributes paid to slurry pit boy

Tributes were today paid to a seven-year-old boy who died after falling into a slurry pit near Broseley.

Xander Shaw was dragged out of the pit by his father after he discovered the boy at the scene of the accident on Friday afternoon.

Jonathan Pygott, headteacher of Broseley School, where Xander was a pupil, said the youngster would be sadly missed by all his fellow pupils and staff.

"Our school community will be devastated by this tragic news," he said.

"Xander was a lively, confident and extremely bright little boy who will be missed terribly by his classmates, fellow pupils and staff in school.

"It is when we return to school in September we will really fully feel this loss.

"Until then, our thoughts are with Xander's family."

Xander's death is being treated as unexplained at this time, but police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

A full report, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive, will be prepared for Mr Anthony Sibcy, south Shropshire coroner, in due course.

The Midlands Air Ambulance Service said at the time that it was believed the boy's family had been looking for him because he had gone missing.