Tributes have been paid to an eight-year-old boy who was tragically shot dead on a farm.
Jay Cartmell sustained suffered life-threatening head and facial injuries after the incident next to the A66 in Warcop, Cumbria, on Saturday, September 28. It’s claimed Jay was hunting rabbits when tragedy struck and passed away after being rushed to hospital in an air ambulance.
Cops have now said a firearm has been recovered from the scene and a man in his 60s had been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
The youngster’s junior football club Whitehaven Miners FC. has paid tribute to the ‘wee man’. Posting on social media, the club said: “RIP wee man #oneofour #lanternforlife Our thoughts are with your family, coaches and teammates.”
A statement from Whitehaven AFC read: “Our heartfelt condolences to this little lad’s family, our neighbours, Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club, his friends, team mates and all that knew him. Truly devastating news, any support we can offer please let us know.”
Other clubs across Cumbria were quick to pay tribute too, reports the Mirror.
Nicola Stephenson, secretary for Bransty Rangers JFC, also added: “On behalf of everyone at Bransty Rangers JFC we send our sincere condolences to all at Whitehaven Miners and Jay’s family and friends.”
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: “This is an absolutely tragic and heart-breaking loss of such a young life. I know that our whole community will have Jay’s family in our thoughts.”
As police continue with their enquiries into the incident, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or the moments leading up to it, to come forward.
Cumbria Police released his name yesterday and confirmed that he had sustained serious head injuries in the incident attended by paramedics and their officers.
They confirmed the man in his 60s from West Cumbria was released on bail after being held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
Jay was taken by air ambulance from the scene after the call to alert police at 2.50pm on Saturday, but died overnight on Sunday, Cumbria Police said.
Parents and school children gathered at St Columba’s Church in Warcop, Cumbria, to pay their respects yesterday. Reverend Andrew Burrell, who arranged the service around half a mile from the scene of the tragedy, said: “A lot of people have been shocked by it and they have struggled with that.
“As well as being the local priest, I am governor for the school and when I went there this morning I spoke to some of the kids. Even people in the town of Appleby were also shocked about what happened so it was apparent we had to do something. It’s a local community and we wanted to do something. We had some candles, quiet music playing, and people came as they pleased.
“I know the boy is not from here and he’s not part of the gypsy traveller community.” Cumbria Police encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to report at, phone on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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