Toddler dies after being struck by tractor in farm tragedy as investigation launched
The tragic event occurred on Saturday and the child was reportedly less than two years old.
A toddler has died after being hit by a tractor in a heartbreaking incident at a farmyard in Buckland Brewer, near Bideford in Devon. Despite the timely arrival of police at the farm, the child could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the organisation "are aware of this incident and supporting Devon and Cornwall Police."
They added: "Our thoughts are very much with the family at this time."
Police are understood to be treating the death as not suspicious.
A local farmer has described what had occurred as a "dreadful tragedy in the farmyard".
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to reports of a collision involving a tractor and a young child on a farm in the Buckland Brewer area at around 7.55am on Saturday 13 May.
"Emergency services attended. A child under two from the Holsworthy area was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Their next of kin have been informed.
"The Health and Safety Executive has been notified."