Boy, 4, killed in 'freak cemetery accident' named

Rossendale Borough Council, which owns Rawtenstall Cemetery, said it was "working with all relevant agencies with any investigations into the incident"

A four-year-old boy killed when a gravestone fell on him at a cemetery has been named by his family.

The youngster, named as Eli on a fundraising page set up by a relative, died at Rawtenstall Cemetery on Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, at 13:00 BST on Saturday.

The fundraising appeal has since raised more than £9,000 for his family, who were described as "truly devastated" by his sudden death.

Lancashire Police said the boy's death was not being treated as suspicious, and Rossendale Borough Council - which owns the cemetery - said it was "working with all relevant agencies" on investigations into what happened.

'Devastating'

Eli's great aunt, Donna Miller, wrote on the fundraising page that Eli's mother, Jessica, and her husband Tommy had lost their son due to a "freak accident".

Lancashire Police spokesman said officers had gone to the cemetery after receiving reports that a "gravestone had fallen on to a child".

The force spokesman added: "Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died."

Rossendale Borough Council said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time."