Second toddler in pool death

Matthew was found unconscious in Withy Pool

A second toddler from the West Midlands has died after falling into a pond.

Andrew Condon, who was nearly two, was playing in the garden of his home in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, when he fell into a pond on Saturday.

He was taken to the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital in Birmingham where he died on Monday.

His death follows that of two-year-old Matthew Perry who died on Saturday after falling into Withy Pool in Telford Town Park on 29 May.

Similar tragedies

Matthew, of Bloxwich, near Walsall, had been enjoying an afternoon out with his family when he disappeared.

He was recovered, unconscious, from the water just a few minutes later but died two days later in hospital.

Matthew is thought to have is thought to have slipped and fallen after he ran on to a line of concrete pads in the pool shaped like lilies.

Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said the deaths of the two boys followed two similar tragedies involving children in Sunderland and Essex last week.

'Danger group'

"Unfortunately, this is an all-too common occurrence at this time of year, with the warm weather, but we hope there won't be any more," he said.

"The danger age group are young toddlers and then young males from the age of 15 to mid-30s.

"Obviously, the key is if you are going somewhere like a park be aware of what there is and try to keep young children well away from water."

An inquest into Andrew's death is expected to be opened and adjourned at Stourport-on-Severn Coroner's Court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Paul Knight of Kidderminster Police said: "We shall be carrying out a full investigation on behalf of the coroner and have appointed a family liaison officer.

"As the warm weather continues and the summer holidays fast approach, it is important that all parents and youngsters are aware of the dangers of open water and that a child can drown in a very small amount of water."