Girl, 3, falls down open manhole at stately home

The stately home is set within 3,000 acres of parkland, including a woodland play area

A country estate has said it is investigating after a three-year-old girl fell down an open manhole at the site.

Holkham Estate in Norfolk described the incident on Monday as a "distressing situation".

A spokesperson said: "The safety of our visitors is of the utmost importance. We are in communication with the family and have begun a full investigation."

The BBC understands the child was quickly rescued and was unhurt.

The ambulance service was called to the scene but was stood down.

The Health and Safety Executive said it had not been made aware of any incident. North Norfolk District Council confirmed its environmental health team was investigating the incident.

Holkham Hall and Estate was established in 1609 by lawyer Sir Edmund Coke.

It is privately owned by Coke Estates Ltd. The landowner Thomas Edward Coke, who is Earl of Leicester, is director of the company.

The home is surrounded by parkland, a walled garden and a nature reserve running to the beach.