PSNI appeals for witnesses to Kayden river tragedy

Mourned: Kayden Fleck POLICE investigating the tragic death of a five-year-old boy in Ballymena are appealing for witnesses to help trace his last movements.

Kayden Fleck, who was with his twin brother Jayden, fell into the River Braid near the Ecos Centre on Saturday.

Following a major search and rescue operation he was pulled from the water around two hours later, near the Tullygarley Bridge.

Police said they are not treating his death as suspicious.

The funeral of the little boy, who has been described as a “little fighter”, was held on Thursday at the Elim Pentecostal Church in Ballymena.

The youngster’s coffin was adorned with pictures of his favourite superhero character, Spiderman.

In his appeal for witnesses, Constable Greenwood said: “Police investigating the sudden death of Kayden are trying to establish his last movements.

“It is believed that Kayden and his brother were in the vicinity of the River Braid near the Ecos Centre, Ballymena, at approximately 12 midday to 1pm on Saturday, 10 February, 2018.

“Were you out walking along the Braid River or did you take part in the park run that morning? Did you see Kayden and his brother playing near the river? Did you witness Kayden go into the water?

“If you have any information, please phone police in Ballymena on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 613 10/02/18.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, could help us trace the last movements of Kayden.”

A book of condolence was opened at Harryville Primary School on Monday as the shocked community came to terms with the child’s tragic death.

Principal Lesley Meikle said the death of the little boy, who was a pupil there, had “ripped out the heart” of his school and community. She said: “When we heard the news we all broke down in tears. We are gutted and heartbroken. This school is a family, and the heart has been ripped out of it.”