Boy, 11, dies after falling into canal

Updated
Bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Skipton, North Yorkshire, England UK
Bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Skipton, North Yorkshire, England UK


An 11-year-old boy died on Tuesday after falling into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Robbie Williamson walked across a pipe on a canal bridge before he lost his balance and plunged into the water in Burnley, Lancashire. Source: PA

A passer-by jumped into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Lowerhouse Lane and pulled the youngster out at about 7pm yesterday and he was given CPR before emergency services arrived.

The Year 7 pupil at Shuttleworth College in Padiham was then taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but later died.

Bob Wakefield, headteacher at Shuttleworth College, said: "Robbie was such a good lad who worked hard and always had a smile on his face. He was very popular with his classmates and was bursting with energy.

"He was very friendly and well-behaved, and when he came in to school he got on with things straightaway without any fuss.

"This is a terribly sad day for everyone in the school, and our thoughts are with Robbie's family at this very difficult time."

Robbie's father, Dean, told ITV Granada Reports: "He was the best in the world. He was just funny, cheeky. Always had a smile on his face. I can't believe it."

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