Toddler death family 'devastated'

An investigation into Huw Emyr Roberts' death is under way

The parents of the toddler who died after being injured at a school in Gwynedd have been "absolutely devastated" by the tragedy, says a close family member.

Two-year-old Huw Emyr Roberts was hit by a car in the grounds of Ysgol Cymerau primary school, Pwllheli, on Wednesday.

His uncle Gareth Williams said the parents had been overwhelmed by support from the local community.

"It is obviously quite shocking to have something like this happen - I think they need to be left alone to console themselves," he said.

"They are inundated with support - friends, family, people they don't really know.

"The whole community has been rocked by this tragic accident - as a family they can only thank people for their support."

Mr Williams said Huw was in a buggy on a pavement.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the tragedy

"It wasn't actually the car park of the school - that area of the school isn't a car park - it isn't designated as a car park," he said.

"In my opinion, there shouldn't have been a vehicle in that area."

On Thursday, there were calls for urgent safety improvements at the Gwynedd school which has 338 pupils.

A memorial service was also held for Huw, who died after being taken from the scene by ambulance before being airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

The accident happened as parents were taking children and staff were arriving for the start of the school day.

It has since emerged that the issue of safety at the school's entrance has been raised in the past.

A memorial service was held at the school on Wednesday

Parents taking children to and from school have to walk through the car parking area to reach the entrance.

Reverend William Davies, from Pwllheli Presbyterian Church, called the volume of traffic using the school car park "a very dangerous situation."

"It is chaotic in the morning at about 0900 GMT in the morning and when they go home at 1515 GMT."

And the mayor of Pwllheli, Glyn Roberts, said he was not happy knowing parents and children were walking near cars on their way into school.

"It shocks me that the public footpath I understand goes right through the parking area at the school."

But Alun Williams, deputy chair of the school's governors, said the safety issue was not necessarily any worse than at any other school.

The police, Health and Safety Executive and Gwynedd Council are all trying to piece together what actually happened in the accident.

The toddler's funeral will take place on Monday.