Baby dies at public firework display in Southampton

The tiny girl was taken ill as crowds poured out of Mayflower Park at the end of Southampton Round Table’s annual fundraiser on Saturday night.

Medics frantically tried to resuscitate the child in an ambulance, but she was later pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital.

The cause of her death is unknown, though it is not being treated as suspicious.

Last night show organisers said they had been left “absolutely devastated”

by the tragedy.

Police cleared the area as medics made their way to a St John Ambulance tent at the entrance to the park, near Town Quay.

The baby was rushed to a waiting ambulance where paramedics could be seen attempting to revive her.

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called shortly after 8.15pm on Saturday.

He said: “A five-week-old baby girl was taken ill during a public fireworks display. She was transported to Southampton General Hospital by the South Central Ambulance Service. The baby was later pronounced dead at hospital.

Next-of-kin were informed.”

He added that police were not yet in a position to reveal the baby’s identity.

Organiser Steve Badger said a woman carrying the baby had been rushed to the St John Ambulance tent helped by a police officer.

“I spoke to somebody from St John Ambulance and they said that a child was brought in through the gates from outside Mayflower Park,” he said.

“I am very upset to hear about what happened. It is shocking and totally devastating.

“My thoughts are with the parents 100 per cent. Everybody concerned with the event will be very upset to hear the news.”

A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death will take place in the next few days.

Police are preparing a file for the coroner.