The family of a five-year-old boy who died after falling from a climbing frame in his school playground have paid tribute to him. Samuel Orola was taken unconscious to hospital after playmates alerted teachers at Tolworth Infant and Nursery School in Surbiton, but was dead on arrival.
Detectives are speaking to shocked children who witnessed the tragedy shortly after 1pm yesterday. They are treating the death as 'unexplained' but believe it was an accident. The inquiry is being carried out with officials from the Health and Safety Executive.
Headteacher Rachel Nye offered condolences to Samuel's parents but said it was in the 'best interests' of other children for the school to remain open today. Samuel's parents were too traumatised to speak as they were comforted at their home in Surbiton.
Floral tributes left outside the school included a note saying: 'To a wonderful little boy and best friend. We will miss you lots. From Charlie, Florence, Jason and Natalie.' One mother said: 'It's devastating. I feel awful for the boy's parents and can't stop thinking about him.'
