Mum killed 'saving daughter' from falling branch

Madia Kauser has been described as a "very kind-hearted and caring mum"

A mother killed by a falling tree branch "saved her daughter's life by pushing her out of the way" just in time, a member of her family has said.

Madia Kauser, 32, was walking in Witton Country Park in Blackburn with her husband and two children on Monday when she was fatally struck, her great-uncle Zamir Khan said.

The Blackburn with Darwen councillor said Mrs Kauser's husband and nine-year-old son had been walking in front of her and their five-year-old daughter when the "one-in-a-million" tragedy struck.

Mr Khan said her great-niece "loved her kids to bits" and would be remembered as a "very caring mum who died saving her daughter".

He added: "She was very kind-hearted and would go out of her way for anyone.

"We are all devastated."

Mr Khan said family members from all over the country had travelled to Blackburn to attend her funeral, which is due to take place later.

'Deeply saddened'

Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the 480-acre (195-hectare) park, said it was "deeply saddened" and had since chopped down the beech tree from which the branch had fallen.

The local 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."

The council said it was supporting the family.

A spokesperson said: "We are gathering the facts, working with colleagues from the police and the Health and Safety Executive.

"In line with the law, the coroner's inquest is where the full circumstances will be considered and findings of the independent investigations will be heard.

"All cordons have been removed and the park remains open as usual with safety inspections taking place as a precaution."

Lancashire Police confirmed it was preparing a file for the coroner, adding that the woman's death was not being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services said they found the woman near the park's Buncer Lane entrance just after 20:30 BST.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Local 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."