Second autopsy ordered into death

Charlie Dunn inquest is opened

A SECOND post-mortem examination has been ordered to determine how five-year-old Charlie Dunn died.

The boy died in hospital following an incident at Bosworth Water Park last month.

An inquest into his death, which is currently the subject of a police investigation, was opened at Loughborough Coroner’s court on Monday.

Detective Sgt Nikki McLatchie, from Leicestershire Police’s child abuse investigation unit, was the only witness to give evidence at the short preliminary hearing.

She said: “On Saturday, July 23, at 2.48pm, Leicestershire Police received a radio communication from officers on duty in the area of Bosworth Water Trust Leisure Park, in Market Bosworth.

“This was at the water park’s Blue Lagoon Beach.

“They reported that a child had got into difficulty in the water and required a defibrillator and medical attention – which was given to the child.”

She added: “He was taken to the Walsgrave Hospital, in Coventry.

“Later on that evening he died, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death commenced.

“The police investigation is ongoing at this time.”

Det Sgt McLatchie said the little boy was formally identified at Leicester Royal Infirmary on July 26 as being Charlie Robert Dunn – born on September 1, 2010, and of Tamworth, Staffordshire – by his aunt Zoe Dunn.

Coroner Carolyn Hull said: “I formally adjourn these proceedings until November 9 to enable further investigation to be conducted by the police – and a further post mortem investigation will take place.”

Following the hearing, Leicestershire Police confirmed that two people arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the incident remain on police bail as inquiries continue.

The boy’s step-grandmother Sharon Robinson, 50, said he died at the beauty spot while his parents Lynsey Dunn, 28, who is three months pregnant, and step-dad Paul Smith, 35, packed up the car to go home.

His grandmother said the couple had been questioned by police.

However, though police said a man and woman have been arrested, they would not confirm who they were.

Detectives investigating Charlie’s death have reiterated their appeal for information.

They would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has “video footage” recorded around the Blue Lagoon Beach on the day of the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101.