Toddler drowns in garden pond

A two-year-old boy has died in an accident in his family's garden pond.

Toddler Steven Pester drowned in 2 ft 8 in of water in the pond at Bardfield Saling, near Braintree, Essex.

A police spokesman said Steven was found in the pond at Bardfield Road on Monday.

He was rushed to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, but later died.

Officers investigating the death have issued a reminder to parents to ensure their children are safe around water.

Acting Detective Inspector Simon Willett said: "This is another example of how even a shallow pond can prove to be a fatal attraction to children, especially in the warm weather."

Detective Chief Inspector Grahame Bird added: "At this stage there is nothing to suggest that the child's death was other as the result of a tragic accident."

A post mortem examination on the toddler is due to be held on Wednesday.