Girl choked in tragic bedroom accident

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances

A three-year-old girl died after being choked by the straps of her Winnie the Pooh rucksack as she played in her bedroom.

Ellie Lowes was discovered dead in her bedroom of the family home in Ashington, Northumberland.

It is believed her head was caught in the shoulder strap of the backpack she was playing with while the other strap was hooked over a wardrobe handle.

Trading standards officials are investigating. .

Ellie was a lovely little girl, full of life and with everything to live for

St Aiden's School spokesman

A spokesman for North Northumberland coroner's office said an inquest had been opened and adjourned on Tuesday.

At the hearing identification details had been confirmed by Ellie's mother, Melanie Lowes, of Blackdene, Ashington.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said on Wednesday: "Inquiries were made into the sudden death of the three-year-old girl.

"There are no suspicious circumstances and the matter was referred to the coroner.

'Detailed investigation'

"It was a terrible, tragic accident."

A prayer session was held at the younster's school.

Ellie attended the nursery department of St Aiden's RC First School, in Ashington, where her sister is also a pupil.

A school spokesman said: "Ellie was a lovely little girl, full of life and with everything to live for.

"We are absolutely devastated. Each teacher told their class about it before we had the service of prayer."

Northumberland County Council's trading standards officers are investigating the incident in relation to the backpack.

Trading Standards Officer Mick King said: "This is a terrible tragedy and we take this matter very, very seriously.

"Under our statutory responsibilities for product safety we will be conducting a detailed investigation into the product and the circumstances surrounding the incident involving this young child."