Kidderminster canal plunge: Imie Harrison named by police

Imie Harrison had been playing with three other six-year-olds

A six-year-old girl who died after falling into a canal with two other children has been named by police.

Imie Harrison was found near Wolverley Court Lock, on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Kidderminster, at about 18:20 GMT on Tuesday.

Imie, whose twin brother raised the alarm, was rescued and taken to hospital in Birmingham, where she died.

A girl and a boy, also six, managed to get out of the water themselves and are expected to fully recover.

A member of the public assisted police officers in rescuing Imie from the water.

She was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital by police helicopter where she died shortly afterwards.

'Tragic accident'

Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said all four children had been playing near the lock.

Supt Purcell said two had fallen into the canal and another went in to try to get them out while the fourth ran home to raise the alarm.

"It appears that two of the children managed to get themselves out of the water, but the third child, Imie Harrison, was in the water for some time before she was rescued," he said.

"All three children were rushed to hospital, but sadly Imie was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"The two other children are expected to make a full recovery.

"It appears at this time to be an extremely tragic accident and our thoughts are with Imie's family who are absolutely devastated by her death.

"We are working hard to establish exactly how Imie came to be in the water."

Supt Purcell added that police will work with a number of partners to support children from Imie's school in Kidderminster.

The head teacher at the school, Lawrence Gittins from St John's primary, said the whole school community was "deeply saddened and shocked at the tragic death" of one of its pupils.

He added: "She was a much loved and talented girl and we'll miss her very much.

"At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Imie and all the pupils and staff who knew her at school.

"We will offer all the support we possibly can to all those affected."

'Miss you'

Imie was rescued and taken to hospital, where she died

Gail Quinton, director of children's services at Worcestershire County Council, said: "The council will be working closely with the police to support the investigation and also the school, to support pupils and staff at this sad and difficult time."

The other two children who fell in the water were treated at the scene for hypothermia before being conveyed to Worcester Hospital.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the accident with a card that read: "We will all miss you, little princess.

"You're up in the stars now.

"We all love you so much, you're safe now babe."