COLCHESTER'S Fenwick department store will be closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect after a five-year-old boy died from injuries sustained at the store.
Emergency services rushed to Fenwick, in High Street, shortly after 11.30am last Tuesday with reports of concerns for the welfare of a child.
A five-year-old boy had sustained a serious head injury and was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
It is understood a mirror inside the store had fallen on the five-year-old.
Essex Police confirmed this afternoon the boy had passed away from his injuries.
Fenwick, which remained closed until Friday, posted a statement on social media from director Mia Fenwick this afternoon.
She confirmed the store would be closed on Wednesday "as a mark of respect".
She said: "On behalf of the Fenwick family, and the entire Fenwick team, it is with great sadness we have learned of the passing of a young boy following an incident at our Colchester store last week.
"All our thoughts and prayers are with the child's family and friends at this very painful time.
"We continue to work closely with the local authorities to understand how this happened.
"Our Colchester will remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect."
Read more:
- Five-year-old boy injured at Fenwick in Colchester dies
- Fenwick, in Colchester, reopens days after boy is seriously hurt inside
- Colchester Council investigating how child was injured in Fenwick
- Fenwick incident: Boy suffers serious head injury in Colchester
Colchester Council is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy's injury under its health and safety responsibilities.
Alongside store staff and medics, Essex Police officers immediately administered first aid to the boy after he was injured.
Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, District Commander for Colchester, said earlier today: “I know I speak for all of my teams when I say that we are extremely saddened by today’s news.
“This is a truly heart-breaking incident and all of our thoughts are with the boy’s loved ones.
“On behalf of my attending officers, I would also like to thank the members of the public and store staff who went above and beyond to assist us.
“We are extremely grateful for your help.”
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