Girl, four, dies after incident at Waterworld swimming pool

A four-year-old girl has died following an incident at a swimming pool at Waterworld, Staffordshire Police said.

The force was called to the water park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, at around 4.20pm on Monday to reports of a girl in a critical condition.

She was treated at the scene and then taken to hospital for further treatment but she died there.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.

Waterworld will remain closed on Tuesday “out of respect for the family”, the water park said.

“It is with great sadness that we learned of this little girl’s passing this evening,” a spokesperson said.

“All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times.

“Waterworld is in shock and has decided to remain closed tomorrow out of respect for the family.”

They added that the park is working with the authorities.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Maskew said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this terribly sad time.

“We are now making inquiries and looking to establish the circumstances of the incident.

“We would ask that members of the public avoid speculating in these early stages of the investigation and allow the family to grieve.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 460 of August 4.