In a tragic child accident a three year old, Rodney Lawrence, drowned in the family pond. The accident happened whilst a party was taking place for one of his siblings at home.

The police were called by Rodney’s parents when they couldn’t find him. The police arrived and found Rodney in the pond; they pulled him out immediately and called an ambulance.  Rodney was airlifted to hospital in Basingstoke, Hampshire, but sadly, he was pronounced dead.

The family are “heartbroken” said a close family friend. The pre-school which Rodney attended was closed for the day.

A friend’s mum, Karen Green who knew Rodney from playschool said: He was a delightful boy. He’d always be bouncing a ball around. The village is devastated”.

Rodney’s parents Jonathan and Marie of Kingsclere, Hampshire, are being comforted by friends and family.

Hampshire police are not treating the death as suspicious. A post mortem is to be carried out before an inquest.