Boy, 8, died from 'cardiac arrest' while celebrating birthday at soft play centre

A boy who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest at an indoor play centre was celebrating his birthday, his devastated grandparent has said.

The little lad died in hospital after the tragic episode at Crash Bang Wallop Walsall, on Tuesday afternoon.

Wendy Sarah Dean, who identified herself as his "nanny" on Facebook, thanked staff and members of the public for helping the family, along with ambulance crews and hospital staff, BirminghamLive reports.

The nan told BlackCountryLive: "I would like to thank all the staff at Crash Bang Wallop and also the members of the public that helped and supported.

The boy sadly died after he was rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospital (PA)

"All the ambulance crews and all the team at Birmingham Children's Hospital. It was his eighth birthday when it happened and he passed in the early hours of the next day.

"We are all just devastated, to say the least."

An air ambulance was called on Tuesday at around 4:30pm to take the youngster to Birmingham Children’s Hospital from Crash Bang Wallop, on Lindon Road in Walsall, near Birmingham.

Paramedics found the boy in a critical condition and gave him vital life support at the scene, Birmingham Live reported.

Crash Bang Wallop shared a statement on Facebook that read: "We are deeply saddened to hear the little boy, who we believe suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday, has passed away today.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family, and our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.

"Out of respect and family wishes, we have declined and will continue to decline discussing with the media, for what should be a private family matter.

"We would like to thank our staff for acting on their training, and providing the necessary first aid and CPR until the emergency services promptly arrived.

"We would also like to thank the emergency services for their swift response and further assistance today.

"A further thank you to the kind people who assisted in a difficult situation which no one could have foreseen. Rest in Peace."

West Midlands Police is not treating his death as suspicious and has referred the incident to the coroner.