East Yorkshire boy who died after pellet gun accident named as Stanley Metcalf

A six-year-old boy who died after suffering a suspected pellet gun injury has been named as Stanley Metcalf.

Police remain at the scene of the incident, which happened on Thursday afternoon at a property in the village of Sproatley in East Yorkshire.

Officers believe the youngster was seriously injured after being accidentally shot with a pellet gun, and are looking into whether it would have required a licence and – if so – whether its owner had one.

Police said Stanley did not live at the property and was visiting relatives at the time, but did not confirm suggestions that he had been with his great-grandfather.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Goulding said: “We were called at 4pm following reports that Stanley – who was visiting the address – had suffered serious injuries and he was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, where he sadly died.

“We’re still investigating the circumstances of exactly what happened, but initial indications are that this was a tragic accident involving a pellet gun.

“We haven’t made any arrests in connection with the incident, but we are speaking to a number of family members to assist us with our enquiries.

“Our thoughts are with Stanley’s family, who have asked that they be given privacy at this very difficult time.”

The officer said the family were receiving specialist support.

One nearby resident, who did want to be identified, described the incident as “surreal”.

“I knew the lad’s dad pretty well,” he said.

“He had invited me in for a drink just the other day and was always very friendly. They are a very nice, genuine family, so your heart just goes out to them because this is such a tragedy, especially given how young the kid is.”

(c) Sky News 2018: East Yorkshire boy who died after pellet gun accident named as Stanley Metcalf