A CHILD has died after suffering cardiac arrest at a play park in Bournemouth.

Paramedics in a rapid response vehicle, along with the air ambulance, were called to King’s Park at 10.13pm on Saturday.

Police were also called to the scene and escorted the ambulance to hospital on blue lights.

However, a six-year-old local boy was pronounced dead at hospital a short time later.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said his family, who were with the boy in the park at a family social gathering, have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

“The boy’s tragic death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the coroner. This includes a small scene at King's Park where the boy fell ill,” they said.

A section of the park was cordoned off on Sunday following the incident. The Echo was told this cordon is likely to remain in place until Monday.

Forensics were understood to be visiting the scene on Sunday as well.

Residents reported seeing a number of police cars and ambulances in the area.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said a rapid response vehicle, a road ambulance, an operations officer, and the air ambulance were sent to the scene.

Part of the playpark was open today.

One young mother, visiting the playpark with her two young sons, said: “We’ve only just heard what happened here. 

“It is really sad news, as a mother myself I cannot tell you how devastating this would be.

“My thoughts go out to the family.

“This is a terrible tragedy for them to be dealing with.”

Boscombe West ward councillor Cllr Christopher Wakefield told the Daily Echo: “My thoughts and prayers, and the thoughts and prayers of the council, are with the family during this really difficult time.

“The loss of anyone close is devastating. 

“But the loss of a young person must be impossible to comprehend for the family.”

“Hopefully the community will come together and support the family and friends.

“We need to make sure all of the family and friends of this young child, or indeed anyone associated with him, be it at school or play school, gets the right help and support to help them through this difficult time.”

Residents living close to King's Park reported seeing a number of police cars and ambulances in the area on Saturday night.

One Ashley Road neighbour, who asked the Echo not to be named, said: “We heard the commotion. Initially we thought it was just trouble with youths in the park, which we get from time to time.”