Falling tree branch kills woman in country park
The beech tree at Witton Country Park from which the branch fell was later felled
- Published
A woman has died after she was struck by a falling tree branch in a Lancashire park.
She had been walking with a child in Blackburn's Witton Country Park, the Local Democracy Reporting Service, external said.
Emergency services found the woman, believed to have been in her 30s, unresponsive near the Buncer Lane entrance to the park just after 20:30 BST on Monday.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The area was cordoned off and Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the 480-acre park, said it had since felled the beech tree from which the branch fell.
Several members of the woman's family arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
'Heartfelt condolences'
In a statement, the council said it was "deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has tragically died following an incident in Witton Park yesterday, when a large tree branch fell".
The authority's chief executive Denise Park said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of the person who has lost their life at this very difficult time.
"Emergency services including paramedics and the air ambulance attended the scene. Council staff also supported by cordoning off the area to ensure public safety.
"As part of precautionary safety measures, the tree involved was being felled this morning.
"Witton Park is a much-loved community space, and the safety of everyone who visits is of the utmost importance to us.
"Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the family at this very sad time."
A Lancashire Police spokesman said the woman's death was not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.
Livesey with Pleasington councillor Paul Marrow said: "There have been concerns about ash dieback disease and the number of dead trees in Witton Park and across the borough.
"The council needs to make regular, thorough inspections of the trees in the park to ensure they are safe."
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