Boy drowns in swimming pool

An eight-year-old boy has drowned at Wolverhampton's main leisure centre during a family day out.

The youngster is believed to have been enjoying a session in the pool at Wolverhampton Swimming & Fitness Centre in Wednesfield when the tragedy happened.

Paramedics were called as lifeguards tried to resuscitate him but they were unable to save the youngster, who was understood to have been with his parents.

Today an investigation was under way with the police and staff at the council-owned centre in Bentley Bridge, which is managed by DC Leisure. The Health & Safety Executive has also been informed.

Chris Kowalik, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said crews were called just before 4.50pm yesterday to reports that a boy, from Wolverhampton, had collapsed in the leisure pool and was unconscious.

He was taken by ambulance to New Cross Hospital but did not recover.

General manager Damien Watts said the leisure pool would be closed until the investigation is complete. The rest of the centre, including the other pools, is open as normal.

"We are liaising with and co-operating fully with all the investigating authorities," he added.

The £12 million centre opened in December 2006 and has welcomed 500,000 customers since its opening.

Wednesfield North councillor Phil Bateman said: "This is tragic news and will take the shine off what has been such a successful facility for Wednesfield and the city. I would like to offer my condolences to the family."

Police confirmed they were treating the death as a drowning and swimmers who were in the pool at the time were being interviewed by officers.