A 10-year-old boy has died four days after he was electrocuted at a hotel in Blackpool.
Police were called to Tiffany’s Hotel on the Promenade at 10.39pm on Sunday evening, finding the child there unresponsive.
The hotel, which has subsequently closed temporarily, said the boy received a shock within its reception lounge area, while the force said his injuries were consistent with him having received a “high voltage of electricity”.
The 10-year-old was rushed to hospital but died there on Thursday with family by his side, said Lancashire Police, adding: “Our thoughts are with them at this time.”
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Tiffany’s Hotel said in an updated statement on Friday: “We are heartbroken by the news we have received today and our thoughts and prayers remain with the family at this distressing time.”
The force said the matter has now been passed to Blackpool Council following an initial police investigation, while a file will be prepared for the coroner.
The hotel said: “We will continue to provide the relevant authorities any assistance they need to carry out their investigations.
“The safety and comfort of our guests remains our number one priority and therefore we have taken the decision to voluntarily close whilst the investigations and our own inspections take place. Our phone lines remain open.”
A Blackpool Council spokeswoman said: “We have been informed of the tragic death of a young boy following an incident at Tiffany’s Hotel. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
“Our investigation is now under way and following our advice the owner of the hotel has agreed to a voluntary closure.
“If anyone has information relating to this investigation they can email us at hs.enforcement@blackpool.gov.uk”
The Tiffany Hotel is a two-star hotel on the seafront of the town. It was closed on Friday morning and a worker at a neighbouring hotel said it had been shut for the last few days.
She said she could hear children playing there last week but did not see anything of the incident.
The Blackpool lights switch-on took place last Friday, with many tourists and young families visiting the town for the annual event.
