Boy, 11, dies after falling into canal
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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