Safety assurances after toddler's death

Matthew Perry went missing on Thursday afternoon

A Telford borough councillor has assured residents the pools around the town park are safe following the death of a toddler.

Matthew Perry is thought to have fallen into Withy Pool in Telford Town Park after he ran on to a line of concrete pads shaped like lilies.

Councillor Keith Austin said there was no problem as long as people were sensible.

"It's not recommended that people go paddling in these parts, they're not for that.

Discourage children

"They're there to add an aesthetic pleasance to parks and the areas are quite safe.

"But when the weather is hot we would like to discourage children from going so close to the water's edge."

The two-year-old toddler, from Bloxwich, West Midlands, died in hospital on Saturday.

Detective Constable Ed Roberts, of Telford CID, said officers were treating Matthew's death as a tragic accident.

Matthew was found unconscious in Withy Pool

He said the youngster ran a short distance downhill towards the secluded lake, which is four feet deep, possibly lured by the sound of a fairground.

"We think he has run out on to this walkway, which extends about 20 feet into the middle of the lake.

"We're not sure if he slipped - he was a young toddler who would have been a bit unsteady on his feet."

A post mortem examination is due to take place on Tuesday.

Telford and Wrekin Borough Council, which owns the park, is carrying out its own investigation into the accident and has informed the Health and Safety Executive.