PSNI to investigate death of Antrim boy (11)

Child who suffered injuries on Sunday in Queen’s Avenue area of Newtownabbey has died

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An 11-year-old boy who suffered laceration injuries in Co Antrim on Sunday has died.

A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers were investigating the circumstances of the boy's sudden death after he sustained injuries in the Queen's Avenue area of Newtownabbey.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) was called to a property at about 12pm on Sunday. A NIAS spokesman said the boy had lacerations to the head and was taken to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

SDLP councillor Noreen McClelland says local people are “stunned and devastated” by the child’s death.

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“There are no words to describe the horror in this community following news that an 11-year-old child has died,” she said.

“It’s an absolute tragedy. It’s the most horrific news and it has left people deeply shocked. This is a quiet and tight-knit community. Local people are just devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family and friends at this horrendous time.

“I know that local people will rally around them to offer their support.”

AMANDA FERGUSON