Family pays tribute to 'our little angel' killed by automatic sliding gate at flats

She was named yesterday as Karolina Golabek, of Bridgend, South Wales.

The accident happened on Saturday afternoon at the entrance to the Brook Court flats complex in Bridgend.

The little girl was taken to the town's Princess of Wales Hospital, where she later died.

"Our little angel, Karolina Maria Golabek, tragically left us on Saturday 3 July 2010," the family said in a statement issued by South Wales Police.

"She was a very happy, fun-loving daughter. She loved animals, drawing pictures and enjoyed picking flowers for us, her loving parents and brother.

"Her parents and her brother would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support at this very difficult time."

The statement added: "She will be deeply missed."

South Wales Police and the Health and Safety Executive are working together to conduct an investigation. A file is being prepared for the coroner.

The waist-high black metal gate is at the entrance to the residents' car park of the three-storey flats complex.

The modern privately-owned block is run by a housing association and sits in an area of terrace houses five minutes' walk from the town centre. The family of the five-year-old live nearby.

Her death is the second tragedy caused by heavy duty automatic gates in the space of one week. Semelia Campbell, six, was crushed by a motorised gate as she played with friends near her home in Carnival Place, Moss Side, Manchester, last Monday.

The schoolgirl was eventually freed when police broke off an electronic box.

She was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary but died from her injuries a short time later.

A joint investigation into both deaths has now been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

HSE inspectors have already visited the scene of the tragedy in Bridgend and are assisting South Wales Police with its investigation.

"HSE is also assisting police in Greater Manchester (GMP) following the death of Semelia Campbell in Moss Side last week," an HSE spokesman said.

"This is a separate incident and HSE inspectors and specialist inspectors with expertise in mechanical engineering have been on site to investigate.

"In Manchester, HSE and GMP have required that developments in the vicinity of the Maine Road estate which have gates similar to those being investigated following the death of Semelia Campbell are locked in an open position until inspectors can fully examine them and ensure there is no ongoing risk."

He added that in February this year the executive reminded gate manufacturers and installers of their safety responsibilities when designing, constructing and installing powered gates, to minimise the risk of an incident happening.