8 Year Old Dies After Falling Into South Yorkshire Canal

2 September 2011, 11:37 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Tributes have been paid to an eight-year-old boy who died after falling into a canal in South Yorkshire.

Matthew Cartwright was out with his family when he slipped into the waterway off Talbot Street, Swinton, South Yorkshire on Monday.

South Yorkshire Police said the force helicopter was used to take Matthew to Rotherham District General Hospital but he died on Tuesday after he was transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Officers said he died with his family by his side. A post mortem examination is due to be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.

A force spokesman said:

'Officers do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances concerning this incident which appears to be a tragic accident.'

Tributes, including flowers, teddy bears and balloons, have been left at the scene.

Matthew's parents, who live in Mexborough, said they did not want to comment.