MP Tim Farron has described the incident as 'absolutely heartbreaking' after an 8-year-old boy died of a gunshot wound at a farm in Warcop. 

A man in his 60s has since been arrested and bailed since the incident on Saturday, September 28.

The man, from West Cumbria, had been under arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

"This is an absolutely heartbreaking tragedy," the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale said. 

"I am praying for the family of the child and all those affected." 

A resident of nearby Brough told the PA news agency he was driving by the scene when he saw medics, police vans and a helicopter on Saturday afternoon. 

Frank Chalmers, 73, said: “I passed the farm at around about 3pm and I saw the helicopter with its rotors stopped and medics marching up the hill, a lot of police, maybe five police vans. One car was parked in the middle of an empty field.

“It all looked very serious. I think with that level of police presence it’s usually a dreadful incident like a death. They don’t usually turn out in that kind of force.”

The retiree said the area is “very, very rural”.

Police are appealing for information in connection with the death. 

A police spokesperson said: " A man arrested following the death of an eight-year-old boy has now been bailed whilst police continue with their investigations.

"The incident which resulted in the death of the boy occurred on land not far from the A66, north of Warcop, Saturday, September 28 at approximately 2.50pm. 

"As officers continue with their enquiries, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.

"Anyone with information which may assist can report to police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 135 of 28 September 2024. You can also phone on 101.

"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."