A boy died after being crushed by a mirror in a department store that fell after it had been “unsecured”, an inquiry heard.
Freddie Farrow, five, died after the mirror fell on him in the Fenwick department store in Colchester, Essex, on July 27 2021. The schoolboy was taken to Colchester hospital and then transferred to Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge, where he died on August 2 2021, having sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Following a five-day inquest into his death at Essex Coroner’s Court, the jury forewoman said that the mirror had not been securely installed and was suspended from the ground.
As reported in the Mirror, she told the court: “Freddie Farrow was in a department store when a very large mirror toppled over and fell on him, causing unsurvivable brain injuries. The mirror had been designed to be attached to a column and stand on the ground.
“The incident mirror had not been securely installed and was suspended from the ground. Its unsafe state had not been recognised prior to the incident.”
In a statement released through Essex Police, Freddie’s mum, Natasha Ingham, said: “Losing a child is something no parent can ever get over. As a family, we think about Freddie every day, and we remember him as he was; as a loving, caring and fun little boy who had his entire life in front of him. His loss has left a hole that can never, and will never, be filled. We are trying to live our lives as we know Freddie would have wanted us to, with love, kindness and with joy. He will never leave us.”
The court heard evidence from Essex Police, construction firm Sir Robert McAlpine, shop-fitters Dula, Colchester Council and the Health and Safety Executive. The mirror was 2.6 metres high (8ft 6in) and weighed between 60kg and 80kg (132lb-176lb).
It toppled onto Freddie after it had been “unsecured”, the inquest was told. Freddie appeared to use very little force when he touched the mirror and it fell on him, a detective told jurors.
Essex Police said CCTV footage showed the boy appearing to touch a large mirror while looking at his own reflection. Police said there was a metal bracket on the wall and a metal bracket on the mirror, and a wooden part of the bracket was in pieces.
Speaking after the verdict, Natasha added: “I would also like to thank all those from Essex Police who attended the department store and tried to help Freddie and for their investigation into what happened. I would specifically like to mention publicly Colchester PCSO Lee Compton who was the first person there and tried to save Freddie.
“I know he did everything he possibly could, and we are so grateful for everything for that – his actions may have given us the six days we had by Freddie’s bedside to say goodbye.”
Freddie’s family were tearful in the court when Mr Brookes offered his condolences and asked the court to stand in silence for a few seconds to remember him.
Chief Supt Stuart Weaver, who oversees policing in north Essex, said: “July 27, 2021, remains one of the most devastating days many officers in Colchester have had in policing, from those officers who arrived at Fenwick’s within minutes of the call, to those who investigated the incident and provided a fulsome report to the coroner.
“Essex Police is a force which values family and everything that goes with that. Freddie’s death is a tragedy, and it is one which we will never forget. In the days, weeks and months after Freddie’s death, the Colchester community showed its love and unity. That is a community which we’re proud to be part of.”
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