An eight-year-old boy who died after being shot on a farm in Cumbria has been pictured for the first time.
Jay Cartmell suffered injuries to his head and face during an apparent rabbit hunting incident on Saturday.
Emergency services were called at around 2.50pm to the property, near the A66, north of Warcop.
A firearm was secured at the scene by police and the boy from Frizington, Cumbria, was taken by air ambulance to hospital where he died overnight.
Football clubs across west Cumbria have paid tribute to Jay, who is understood to have been a youth player for Whitehaven Miners FC.
The club posted a selection of photos of the boy and wrote on social media “legend for life and "RIP wee man. Our thoughts are with your family, coaches and teammates."
One of the boy’s coaches posted: “RIP little man. You were a talented little guy, and full of character. Pleasure to coach, and a pleasure to call my son’s friend. In our hearts forever.”
Another person wrote beneath Whitehaven Miners FC’s Facebook post: “Sleep tight Jay, one of the funniest kindest loving little boys. A true friend. Shine bright. You will be forever missed. Condolences to all the family.”
Meanwhile, Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: "This is an absolutely tragic and heart-breaking loss of such a young life. I know that our whole community will have Jay’s family in our thoughts."
A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.
He was taken to a police station and later held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
The man was later bailed as police continued their investigations.
Parents and school children gathered at St Columba's Church in Warcop, Cumbria, to pay their respects on Monday, the Mirror reported.
Reverend Andrew Burrell, who arranged the service around half a mile from the scene where the incident happened, said: "A lot of people have been shocked by it and they have struggled with that.
"As well as being the local priest, I am governor for the school and when I went there this morning I spoke to some of the kids. Even people in the town of Appleby were also shocked about what happened so it was apparent we had to do something. It's a local community and we wanted to do something. We had some candles, quiet music playing, and people came as they pleased."
In an update on Monday, Cumbria Police urged any witnesses to come forward.
The force said: “As officers continue with their enquiries into this incident, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.
"Anyone with information which may assist can report to police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 135 of September 28 2024. You can also phone on 101.
"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
