Man arrested after farm incident in Lake District.
Neighbours have spoken of their “huge shock” after a teenage boy was fatally shot on his family’s farm.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the 15-year-old, named locally as Edward Gabbert, was shot in the head near the Lake District village of Ulpha, near Millom.
It is understood the year 11 pupil was among a group of three people, none of whom were related, who had been given permission to take part in shooting on land at Pannel Holme Farm.
Emergency services were called on Thursday night and the Millom School pupil was rushed to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
His condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead on Friday afternoon.
It is understood his parents, Eleanor and Andrew, were at his bedside.
Police initially detained the man, from Barrow, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but later arrested him on suspicion of manslaughter. The third group member, a man in his 40s, was not injured.
Edward’s devastated family were yesterday being comforted by specially-trained officers.
Neighbours in the tight-knit farming community last night spoke of their devastation at the teenager’s shock death.
Fighting back tears Bill Buchanan, 72, who worked on the farm for 20 years, said: “I used to work for his grandparents and he was a lovely young man.
“They had been out with guns but just what’s happened I don’t know.
“I am certainly thinking about him. He was a cheerful young chap, a grand fellow.”
Reverend Alex Stockley, who knew Edward all his life, said the tragic news had left the community shaken.
She said: “My husband and I are deeply shocked by Edward’s death, having known him since he was born.
“This will hit our community very hard and we all feel the deepest sympathy for Edward’s family.”
John Gray, 66, who also lives in the village, added: “My deepest sorrow for them. I am sure this is a huge shock for the area.”
Meanwhile tributes poured in from school friends on social networking sites.
Twitter user It is Neil posted: “Crying my eyes out! Millom School has lost one of its greatest characters. Edward Gabbert RIP.”
Indea said: “RIP Edward Gabbert xxx.”
Edward Gabbert leaves behind a sister, Fiona, and brother, Ian.
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