Boy, 3, killed in tragedy at show

Family pays tribute to lovely lad

Published:

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy who died of serious head injuries after an accident at a major agricultural show may have been swinging on a bollard chain.

It was understood Ben Craggs was hurt when a concrete bollard fell on him in a car park near the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh.

It was thought the three-year-old may have been swinging on a chain strung between two bollards when one toppled over.

He was taken by ambulance to the city’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, but medics were unable to save him.

The boy was at the show with his parents Dawn and Jonathan, from Sedgefield, County Durham, who were exhibiting livestock.

Police said that no cars were involved in the incident, which happened on the first day of the show.

Ray Craggs, a cousin of Ben’s father, said: “We heard the terrible news about little Ben and are still trying to come to terms with this shocking accident. The whole community will be devastated.

“It’s very tight knit in this area and the Craggs family have always been involved in farming.

“It‘s so sad as Ben was the couple’s only child and was a lovely little lad.”

Lothian and Borders Police and community safety officers from Edinburgh City Council were today carrying out an investigation into the incident.

Show organisers, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, said they were co-operating with the investigation.

Chief executive Ray Jones said: “This appears to have been a tragic accident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the boy’s family at what is a very difficult time.

“We are helping with investigating agencies and co-operating fully with their inquiries.”

The incident happened in the area of entrance gate six at the north car park, and was not within the showground itself.

The bollards are thought to be around three feet high and were situated near some parked cattle trucks.

Police were appealing for witnesses.