Boy dies in blind cord accident

A boy in Northern Ireland has died after becoming entangled in a blind cord yesterday evening.

Police are investigating the death of the three-year-old in Mayobridge near Newry, Co Down.

A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Sinn Fein MLA Caitriona Ruane expressed her sympathy to the Mayobridge victim's family.

"This tragic accident has been felt by the entire community and I would like to extend my condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with them at this time."

SDLP MP Margaret Richie and local SDLP councillor Sean O’Hare said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the death and said the local Mayobridge community was “grieving for the family at this challenging and difficult time”.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, at least 25 deaths across the UK since 1999 have been blamed on blind cords.

PA