THE family of a six-year-old girl who died after she fell into a canal in Kidderminster are “absolutely devastated”.

Emergency services were called to the incident in Springfield Park - near the Wolverley Court Lock - just before 6.20pm last night following reports three children had fallen into the canal.

It appears two of the children managed to get themselves out of the water but the third child was in the water for some time before being rescued.

The three children were all rushed to hospital but the six-year-old was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The two other children are expected to make a full recovery.

Spt Kevin Purcell, police commander in north Worcestershire, said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident is continuing this morning and we are working hard to establish exactly how the girl came to be in the water.

“The family of the six-year-old are absolutely devastated by their loss and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this time.

“Out of respect for the dead girl’s family, we will not be confirmed her identity at this early stage but there may be further updates later in the day.

“At the present time there is nothing further we can add about this matter.”