Boy critical after cardiac arrest at leisure centre

A 12-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest at a leisure centre in Staffordshire.

Emergency services responded to the incident at Burntwood Leisure Centre on High Street in Chasetown, at 13:08 BST on Sunday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene where they found a boy in a critical condition. He was given specialist trauma care before being taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Staffordshire Police said the boy remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital. The force urged anyone with information to contact them.

A brief cordon was put in place in the area after the incident.

Police confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive have been notified which the force said was part of a routine procedure in an incident of this nature.

The leisure centre is operated by LWM Traded Services Ltd, a company owned by Lichfield District Council.

The council said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this incredibly difficult time, and we are working closely with Staffordshire Police as they continue their inquiries."

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