A six-year-old boy has died from a suspected pellet gun injury in east Yorkshire, in what police said appeared to have been a tragic accident.
Humberside police said they were called to Sproatley, a village north-east of Hull, on Thursday afternoon, following reports that the boy who was named as Stanley Metcalf had been seriously injured. He later died at Hull Royal infirmary.
Police revealed that Stanley, who was from the local area, had been visiting a family member’s home at the time of the incident. They said they had not made any arrests, but were speaking to members of the boy’s family.
Speaking to press at the scene on Friday afternoon, DCI Mark Goulding, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our teams are supporting the family of six-year-old Stanley Metcalf, who died yesterday following an incident at a house in Church Lane, Sproatley.
“We were called at 4pm following reports that Stanley – who was visiting the address – had suffered serious injuries and he was taken to Hull Royal infirmary, where he sadly died.
“We’re still investigating the circumstances of exactly what happened, but initial indications are that this was a tragic accident involving a pellet gun. We haven’t made any arrests in connection with the incident, but we are speaking to a number of family members to assist us with our enquiries.
“Our thoughts are with Stanley’s family, who have asked that they be given privacy at this very difficult time.” The family released a photograph of the boy to the media.
Goulding said police were still making inquiries into whether or not the owner of the weapon held a licence, adding that certain types of airgun did not require one. He said it was too early to say whether or not a criminal offence had been committed.
