A two-year-old boy has tragically died in what emergency services described as a "farm incident."
An entire community is in a state of shock after the death of the little boy in Northern Ireland, said a local political leader.
While "the grief of the family, and the town, is beyond words," according to Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Margaret Anne McKillop.
Officers confirmed that an investigation has been opened and they are working with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council following the tragedy on Friday, November 11, at Rosepark Farm near the town of Ballymoney.
Tributes and condolences have poured in from across the country for the young boy and his family.
In a statement on Saturday, a PSNI spokeswoman told BelfastLive : "The Police Service of Northern Ireland are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSE NI) and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a two-year-old boy in the Bravallen Road area of Ballymoney.
"Local officers continue to support the family at this difficult time."
SDLP group leader councillor McKillop said the entire area was in shock following the heart-breaking incident.
"I’d like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the child who lost their life at a farm in the Ballymoney area on Friday," she said.
"I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through, but I know that everyone right across this area is thinking of them at this awful time.
"This is an absolutely terrible tragedy which has reverberated throughout the community here as seen by the huge outpouring of grief and support for those affected. I know people in Ballymoney will rally around this family and help them in any way they can as they come to terms with this unspeakable loss."
Patricia O’Lynn, Alliance Party Member of the Legislative Assembly for North Antrim, has expressed her shock and devastation following the news.
"Ballymoney is a close-knit town with family at its heart," said Dr O’Lynn. "To hear of the loss of a child is simply heart-breaking; the grief of the family, and the town, is beyond words.
"My every thought is with this family tonight as they face a tragedy beyond measure."
In a statement, a Northern Ireland Ambulance Spokesperson said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance service received a 999 call at 12.32 on Friday 11 November, following reports of a farm incident in Ballymoney.
"NIAS despatched a Rapid Response Emergency Paramedic, an Emergency Crew and an Ambulance Officer to the incident.
“Following assessment, the patient was taken to Causeway Hospital.”
