Toddler died when sheep pen wall collapsed on him

A sign outside Suffolk Coroner's CourtImage source, George King/BBC
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A coroner ruled Roan Butcher's death was accidental

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A one-year-old boy died after a concrete wall collapsed on him at his grandparents’ home, an inquest heard.

Roan Butcher had been playing with lambs in a sheep pen at the property in Mildenhall, Suffolk and was lifted over a 3ft (91cm) wall, which then collapsed as his father stepped over it.

He was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on 5 April 2023, where he died from a head injury.

Suffolk Coroner's Court ruled his death was accidental.

The inquest heard it was not the first time Roan had been in the enclosure and he had enjoyed the company of the lambs on previous occasions.

Health and Safety Executive inquiries revealed the wall had lacked structural integrity as steel gate posts had not yet been installed.

However, it was ruled the safety risk would not have been apparent to someone not trained or skilled in the construction of such structures.

The police and health and safety authorities have since indicated no further action will be taken.

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