The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed it is investigating the tragic death of 10-year-old girl on a school trip.
Leah Harrison, from Darlington, died yesterday in a mudslide at Carlton Bank, near Carlton-in-Cleveland.
The tragedy occurred during heavy rainfall which hit the area on Wednesday.
Leah and her classmates were on a forest walk when the incident occurred.
A HSE spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and working with North Yorkshire Police on a joint investigation.”
Leah was staying with her classmates from Mount Pleasant Primary School, in Darlington, at Carlton Adventure, an outdoor activities provider run by Hartlepool Borough Council.
Denise McGuckin, managing director of Hartlepool Borough Council, which operates Carlton Adventure, said: ‘‘We can confirm that a tragic incident occurred during one of the centre’s instructor-led outdoor education forest walks near to Carlton-in-Cleveland yesterday.
“We are utterly devastated and heartbroken and our thoughts are with Leah’s family and friends and all those affected.
“We are working closely with our partner agencies to carry out a full investigation and we are temporarily suspending all outdoor activities and residential breaks managed by the council.
“Whilst the investigation is being carried out it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.’’
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