Two-year-old dies after being pulled from canal in Wolverhampton

A two-year-old boy has died after being pulled from a canal in Wolverhampton.

West Midlands police said they received a 999 call at about 5.30pm on Sunday and sent officers to the canal in Ettingshall.

The boy was found in water near the canal towpath and was pulled out by officers who performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

“He was taken to hospital, but despite the best efforts of the emergency services he sadly died,” the force said in a statement.

There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, which had been referred to the coroner, police said.

West Midlands ambulance service (WMAS) said it was called just after 6pm and was on the scene within three minutes.

A WMAS spokesperson said: “On arrival, crews found a boy, who had been pulled from the water by police colleagues, in a critical condition.

“He was receiving basic life support by officers and ambulance staff immediately took over to administer advanced life support.

“Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, the child could not be saved and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

West Midlands police said: “We are supporting the family at this devastating time.

“We will have local officers in the area today to offer reassurance and support to our communities.”

The canal runs alongside a housing estate, largely separated by a metal fence, with a path leading down to the canal towpath.

One resident told the BBC that police had been called to the area when a child was reported missing, with the information reported via a group chat for people living on the estate.

“It’s absolutely devastating. I’ve got two young ones myself. This canal is not even 100m from my house, it’s awful,” one resident said.