Girl, aged 5 dies in swimming tragedy

The tot, who has not yet been named, died in hospital two hours after she was discovered in the Dome Leisure Centre pool in Doncaster on Saturday.

Police were alerted by pool staff at 3.45pm and the girl, from Leeds, was rushed to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said the youngster was with a group of other children and relatives visiting the Dome Leisure Centre for an afternoon swim.

He said: “Although her death is being treated as suspicious as a matter of routine, it appears at this stage that this was a tragic accident.”

He said the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.

Gavin Baldwin, chief executive of Doncaster Dome, said it was a “tragic incident”.

He said: “A young girl was found unconscious and trained lifeguards and staff immediately carried out first-aid procedures and called for the emergency services to attend.

“I would commend all the staff involved for their efficient and professional response.

“All those involved worked hard to support the young girl, who was later pronounced dead.

“All our sympathies go out to her family and loved ones for their loss, and our thoughts are with them at this time.”