Grief over building collapse child

The family of Esther Harvey is "devastated"

An investigation has begun after a three-year-old girl died when part of a building collapsed at a south Lincolnshire garden centre.

The accident happened at Baytree Nurseries on High Road, in Weston near Spalding, just after 1100 BST on Monday.

Esther Harvey, from the Sleaford area, was taken to Boston's Pilgrim Hospital by air ambulance, but died from severe head injuries.

Her father, John Harvey, said on Tuesday: "The whole family is totally devastated by the loss of our little girl - we are trying to come to terms with the tragedy."

'Deeply shocked'

Esther was walking with her aunt past a garage, which was undergoing construction work, when part of it collapsed.

Her aunt was taken by ambulance to the same hospital suffering from cuts and bruises.

Reinhard Beihler, who runs the nurseries, said: "I am deeply shocked by what happened.

Staff hurt

"And I can assure you that everyone at Baytree will provide the fullest co-operation during the investigations into this tragic accident and once those are known, we will be able to provide a fuller statement."

Two male members of staff were slightly hurt and were sent home from work for the day, a spokesman at the nurseries said.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed, and local district council officials are investigating the accident.