Girl, six, who died after fall into canal named

Imie Harrison died after she was pulled from the water at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Her twin brother, who has not been named, raised the alarm after three children ended up in the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Springfield Park, near Wolverley Court Lock in Kidderminster.

Imie was rescued by police officers and a member of the public, and airlifted to hospital by police helicopter, but died soon afterwards.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said four children, all aged six, had been playing near the lock, but two fell in and another then went in to try to get them out, while the fourth ran home to raise the alarm.

He said the incident appeared to be “an extremely tragic accident” at this stage.

“Our thoughts are with Imie’s family, who are absolutely devastated by her death.

“We are working hard to establish exactly how Imie came to be in the water.”

Supt Purcell said police would be working with partners including the council children’s services department to support children from Imie’s school, in Kidderminster.

Gail Quinton, director of children’s services at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The council will be working closely with the police to support the investigation and also the school, to support pupils and staff at this sad and difficult time.”