Police probe stairlift tragedy
This is the six-year-old who tragically died after an accident involving a stairlift at his great-grandmother's Shropshire home. This is the six-year-old who tragically died after an accident involving a stairlift at his great-grandmother's Shropshire home. Oliver Mapp is pictured left, with his brother Joshua. His grandfather made repeated efforts to save the youngster following the incident in Oakengates, Telford, on Sunday. The youngster, today described as a "loving son", is believed to have got his head trapped in the moving stairlift. Today, his death was being investigated by Telford Police and Constable Pete Simmonds said a post mortem was due to be carried out this afternoon. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
His grandfather made repeated efforts to save the youngster following the incident in Oakengates, Telford, on Sunday. The youngster, today described as a "loving son", is believed to have got his head trapped in the moving stairlift.
Today, his death was being investigated by Telford Police and Constable Pete Simmonds said a post mortem examination was due to be carried out this afternoon.
He said the exact circumstances of Oliver's death were not yet known but preliminary findings revealed Oliver suffered head injuries after being caught by the stairlift while it was in use.
Roger Vincent, a spokesman for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said he could not recall a similar accident. He said: "If it's the stairlift, they will be looking closely at that. In general terms, they should only be used for the purposes for which they are intended."
Oliver, whose family live in Morecambe, Lancashire, is believed to have been visiting family in Telford with his grandparents. He was at the home of his 81-year-old great-grandmother Eileen Meeson, in Hayward Parade to wish her happy birthday.
Oliver's family travelled from Lancashire to Telford yesterday and were too upset to talk about their son's death today.
A police spokesman said: "The family have lost a loving son and ask that at this time they are left to grieve."
Telford & Wrekin coroner Mr Michael Gwynne is expected to open an inquest tomorrow or Thursday.