A four-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool as a holiday with his family and a narcotics anonymous group went ‘horrifically wrong’.
It is understood the boy, believed to be from Devon, was at the end of a week long holiday and had been reporting missing to police.
Emergency services, including a police helicopter, frantically searched and eventually found him in the pool, but he could not be saved despite efforts at the scene and in hospital.
A police spokesman said: ‘At 2.55pm on Sunday police and ambulance were called to Knapp House Activity Centre in Bideford, Devon following a report of a missing child.
Police and ambulance were called to Knapp House Activity Centre (pictured) in Bideford, Devon
‘Following an extensive search the child was located and taken to North Devon District Hospital.
‘Police are continuing to investigate and anyone with information are asked to contact Police on 101 quoting reference 593 of 28/08/17.’
The boy was on a trip with his family organised by the charity Devon Narcotics Anonymous.
A spokesman for Devon Narcotics Anonymous Campout Committee said: ‘For the sixth year running, we have organized a week-long summer holiday campout for members of Narcotics Anonymous and their families at Knapp House in Northam, near Bideford, and for the sixth year in a row, we have all enjoyed a wonderful week of sharing lives of complete freedom from drug and alcohol use.
‘Our members have enjoyed the wonderful setting, visits to local beaches, and as has been true throughout out our relationship with Knapp House, great service from them.
‘One of the activities we organize with Knapp House is the supervised use of their swimming pool with their trained lifeguards.
‘Very tragically today something has gone horrifically wrong and a young child of one of our members drowned in the pool.
‘We are not aware of the exact details of how this happened and the police are obviously investigating.
‘As a committee we have worked tirelessly to try to provide a fabulous event for our fellow NA members, and we are devastated that a truly wonderful week has ended so tragically.
‘We find all attempt at expressing our sorrow and concern for the parents and siblings of this child inadequate, but as is normal in our fellowship, they will have plenty of support as they face their tragedy.
‘In Narcotics Anonymous, we share no specific religious beliefs, but the entire campsite formed a circle, held hands, and prayed for the family and their lost child.’