Northallerton pool victim, 8, named (From York Press)

Northallerton pool victim, 8, named as Kaimen Ward

9:00am Thursday 26th August 2010 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

AN eight-year-old boy who died in a tragic accident at a Northallerton swimming pool has been named as Kaimen Ward.

The youngster, of Ashlands Road, Northallerton, got into difficulties while swimming at Hambleton Leisure Centre, Northallerton, at about 4.25pm on Wednesday.

The boy was taken to the town's Friarage Hospital but was pronounced dead after efforts to revive him failed.

Kaimen’s family said in a statement: “We are struggling to come to terms with what has happened to Kaimen, it has left us completely devastated.

“He is such a lovely young boy, the best son and brother anyone could wish for.

“We would like to thank everybody for all the love and support we have received.”

An inquest into his death is expected to open and adjourn on Wednesday.

Councillor Peter Wilkinson, the authority's cabinet member for health, said: "It is a tragedy and our condolences go out to the family.

"Losing an eight-year-old like this must be horrendous.

"Police are investigating and council staff are co-operating and tomorrow we will have an internal investigation into what happened.

"Police were interviewing staff when I left at 8pm"

Coun Wilkinson believed the boy drowned in the centre's 25m pool.

A spokesman for Hambleton District Council, who run the centre, said: "This is a tragic accident and we send out condolences to the family of this young boy.

"As a mark of respect, the leisure centre will be closed until further notice."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Inquiries to determine the full circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing."

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.