Isle Of Wight Beach Rescue Investigated By Police

25 June 2014, 13:08 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police are appealing for witnesses to the events leading up to the rescue of a child from Ryde seafront on the Isle of Wight.

Hampshire Police were among several emergency services called to Appley beach shortly before 6pm on Saturday, June 21, 2014.
 
Police officers helped to maintain the safety of public crowds in the area while an eight-year-old boy received medical attention on the beach before being airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital in Newport by a Coastguard helicopter.
 
An investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened to the boy on Ryde seafront on Saturday afternoon.
 
Detectives are leading enquiries due to the boy’s critical condition in hospital in Southampton.
 
Specialist family liaison officers remain in contact with the boy's immediate relatives to ensure they are supported at this difficult time.
 
Detective Inspector Adam Price from Hampshire Constabulary said:
 
“Firstly, we’d like to express our thanks to the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, particularly its Ambulance service and emergency department, HM Coastguard, Ryde Inshore Rescue and members of the public for their actions during the emergency and their assistance with our investigation so far.
 
“I am appealing for more witnesses, particularly any members of the public who took photos and videos on Appley beach between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, June 21.
 
“There were Armed Forces Day celebrations taking place in Ryde, and a band was playing near the Appley beach café during these times.
 
"Therefore, we believe people would have taken pictures or videos that can help us with enquiries into exactly what happened to the boy. I am also interested in anyone who took pictures or videos of the band and surrounding area."