A three-month-old child has died while camping in woodland with her family near Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire, with police confirming the death on Saturday. Emergency services responded to land off Strawberry Lane at approximately 08:45 BST after receiving a report of a child in cardiac arrest. An air ambulance attended the scene, but paramedics pronounced the child dead shortly after arrival.
According to initial police reports, the death is being treated as unexplained at this stage. Detective Inspector Katie Gregory stated that
while the investigation remains at an early stage, this is an isolated incident, and officers were expected to remain at the location into the evening as inquiries continued.
The incident occurred in a wooded area within the Wyrley and Essington Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve, described as a secluded section away from the main woodland. Though not an official camping site, the location has become a gathering place for local teenagers who fish in two pools there and camp overnight. The area is also frequented by dog walkers and runners using the nature trail.
A police cordon was established around the scene on Sunday, with two camping tents—one white with navy blue trim—pitched at the location close to the fishing lake. Roads near the woodland were reportedly closed while investigators worked at the site, according to police statements.
How has the community responded?
Residents of the close-knit village of approximately 7,000 people have expressed shock and grief at the child's death. Flowers, including a bunch of roses, were left near the scene in tribute to the girl. Hundreds of residents paid tribute on social media, with one message stating:
Heartbreaking news, our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this very sad time. May it bring a tiny bit of comfort in knowing villagers care and are saddened by the news.
Councillor Rob Duncan said the community was devastated by the tragedy. He urged residents to
avoid speculation and allow the family and responders the privacy and respect they deserve. The Superintendent of the Cannock Chase Methodist Church Circuit, Rev Samantha Hagerman, also expressed condolences, saying:
Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and emergency services affected by the incident near Cheslyn Hay yesterday.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation into the child's death remained active into the following day. A second report published on 6 September confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the child's death in woodland near Walsall, indicating the case was still under active review. Police officers continued to carry out inquiries at the scene and provide reassurance to the community while the cordon remained in place.
Key Facts
- Emergency services were called to the woodland off Strawberry Lane, Cheslyn Hay, at approximately 08:45 BST on Saturday following a report of a child in cardiac arrest
- The death is being treated as unexplained, with police describing the incident as isolated with no indication of suspicious circumstances
- The location is within the Wyrley and Essington Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve and is not an official camping site, though it is regularly used by locals for fishing and overnight camping
- A police cordon was established at the scene, with roads in the area closed while investigators worked
- The community has expressed widespread grief, with residents leaving flowers and tributes in memory of the child
