A young boy who was changing out of his boots in a car park after a rugby match has been crushed to death in a freak accident.
Alfie Tollett had just watched his brother play in a match at his local club, a coroner heard. The seven-year-old was putting his shoes back on when he got wedged between two cars.
As reported by the Mirror, a statement at the opening of his inquest on behalf of the coroner Ian Arrow outlined the freak incident that led to Alfie's death in Plymouth, Devon. It revealed the fatal crush was caused when an electric vehicle had been struggling to park and "shunted" another parked car at Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club into him.
The statement read: "[Alfie] was stood at the rear of the family car changing his boots for his shoes after watching his brother play rugby.
"A stationary vehicle parked behind the family vehicle was then struck by another electrically propelled vehicle that was attempting to park; this vehicle has shunted forward the parked vehicle and crushed Alfie between the two vehicles.
"Alfie was conveyed to Derriford Hospital, but sadly passed away."
His official cause of death was given as blunt force traumatic chest injuries at the short hearing.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and any dashcam footage. A 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving has been released on bail until May.
Since the incident - which happened on Sunday, February 19 - tributes have poured in for Alfie, who lived in Plymouth, Devon. Police said he sustained serious injuries and was taken to Derriford Hospital. It was there that he was pronounced dead around an hour after the incident.
In a statement released in the days after his death, his family said: "This has to be one of the hardest things we have had to do as a family. On Sunday, our precious little Alfie was involved in a horrible incident where sadly he lost his life.
"This has left a massive hole in our whole family. Our Alfie was not just our son and brother, but also a grandson, a cousin, a nephew and a friend to so many people.
"He was our special cheeky, funny and precious little man. Our hearts are completely broken. We are so numb and are struggling to understand why this has happened. We would like to thank you for the kind words of support we have received.
"To our Alfie moos, we miss you sweetheart and we will never ever forget you. Fly high our baby. Thank you for the best seven years of our lives. All our love Mummy, Daddy, Jack and Teddy. X"
Paying tribute on Facebook, Plymstock Oaks RFC, where Alfie was a member, said: 'It is with deep shock and sadness that we regret to inform you of the tragic loss of a young life of one of our own today. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and their friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Officers continue to make enquiries to establish the circumstances of the collision, which happened at around 11.10am on Wembury Road, near the Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club. A 55-year-old man from Plymouth was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has been released on police bail to return on Saturday 20 May.
"If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police by calling 101 quoting reference number 50230040392."
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