Girl, 3, died after 'mini tornado' hit trampoline

The assistant coroner for Gloucestershire said more people need to be aware of the dangers associated with trampolines

A three-year-old girl died when the trampoline she was on was lifted by a "mini tornado", an inquest has heard.

Felicity Keepin was at home with her mother and brother in Longney, Gloucestershire on 10 May when a neighbour described seeing a "mini tornado" .

The wind took the trampoline over the hedge and into a nearby field, throwing Felicity off a considerable distance away. She was airlifted to Bristol Children's Hospital but died on 17 May.

The incident was described as "every parent's worst nightmare" by assistant Gloucestershire coroner Roland Wooderson. He recorded a conclusion of accidental death and advised people to anchor down trampolines.

Felicity was at home with her mother and brother when the "freak gust", as described by Mr Wooderson, came along.

Statements were read out from different witnesses at the inquest at Gloucestershire Coroners' Court earlier, including from Adam Nash, a neighbour.

"I was cutting the grass hedge when I heard a noise which sounded like a freight train," he said.

"I saw a mini tornado crossing the road, about seven-eight metres in width (2.2m), which left a mark in the hedge."

The 12ft (3.6m) trampoline had been bought a week before the incident and, although it had a net, it was not anchored down.

But Mr Wooderson said weighing down the trampoline may not have made much difference and, although the importance of weighing down trampolines is in manufacturers' instructions, not many people are aware of it.

He added: "What happened was every parent's worst nightmare.

"Completely out of the blue a freak gust of wind took the trampoline high into the air and over the hedge. And I don't use that expression 'freak gust' lightly.

"Felicity was under the careful supervision of her mother, but this was an extraordinary, tragic and unforeseen accident.

"The public really do need to know the danger associated with these trampolines."