This in from police, in their own words, Ed
Hampshire Constabulary was one of several emergency services called to Appley beach shortly before 6pm on Saturday, June 21, 2014.
Police officers helped to maintain the safety of public crowds in the area while an eight-year-old boy received medical attention on the beach before being airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Newport by a Coastguard helicopter.
Police investigation
An investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened to the boy on Ryde seafront on Saturday afternoon.
Detectives are leading enquiries due to the boy’s critical condition in hospital in Southampton.
Specialist family liaison officers remain in contact with the boy’s immediate relatives to ensure they are supported at this difficult time.
Praise for emergency services
Detective Inspector Adam Price from Hampshire Constabulary said:
“Firstly, we’d like to express our thanks to the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, particularly its Ambulance service and emergency department, HM Coastguard, Ryde Inshore Rescue and members of the public for their actions during the emergency and their assistance with our investigation so far.
“I am appealing for more witnesses, particularly any members of the public who took photos and videos on Appley beach between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, June 21.
“There were Armed Forces Day celebrations taking place in Ryde, and a band was playing near the Appley beach café during these times.
“Therefore, we believe people would have taken pictures or videos that can help us with enquiries into exactly what happened to the boy. I am also interested in anyone who took pictures or videos of the band and surrounding area.”
Get in touch
Please email photos and videos to the following email address: [email protected]
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact police by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101.
Following the events of the weekend, Hampshire Constabulary wishes to remind the public of advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) about safety on the beach: See link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-safe-at-the-coast-beach-safety-advicefl
Image: RonSaunders under CC BY 2.0
