Tributes to tragic Imie, six, after Kidderminster canal fall
Tributes were today paid to a "much loved and talented" six-year-old girl who died after falling into a canal in Kidderminster.
Tragedy struck when Imie Harrison slipped into the water near Wolverley Court Lock on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Wolverley.
Her twin brother battled in vain to save his sister, a pupil at St John's CE Primary School.
The siblings had been playing near the canal when Imie and two other children fell into the water.
While the others managed to get themselves out, Imie remained in the canal until emergency services arrived and pulled her out on Tuesday evening. All three children were taken to hospital but Imie, who lived on the Springfield Park estate, died a short time after arriving at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Lawrence Gittins, headteacher at St John's, today said Imie's teachers and classmates were in shock.
"Our whole school community is deeply saddened and shocked at the tragic death of one of our pupils," he said.
"She was a much loved and talented girl and we will miss her very much.
"At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Imie and all of the pupils and staff who knew her at school. We will offer all the support we possibly can."
Ward councillor John Hart said questions would be asked about any safety measures that could be put in place to prevent such an event happening again.
"What happened was an absolute tragedy and the family have my sympathies. They must be absolutely devastated," he said.
Superintendent Kevin Purcell said Imie's family "remain very traumatised by the loss of their daughter".
Worcestershire County Council's director of children's services, Gail Quinton, said support would be given to pupils at the school. The Canal and River Trust is helping the emergency services with their investigation.
