Police warning after cave tragedy
Police officers have today warned against venturing inside caves after the death of a Shropshire student who was killed when the roof of a sandstone cave collapsed on top of him.
Police officers have today warned against venturing inside caves after the death of a Shropshire student who was killed when the roof of a sandstone cave collapsed on top of him.
Hermitage Caves in Bridgnorth, where 16-year-old Aiden Brookes died yesterday, were today fenced off as an investigation into the full circumstances of the tragedy continued.
Tributes to the talented sportsman, from Paulbrook Road, in Bridgnorth, have flooded in from his friends.
A minute's silence will be held in his memory this weekend at Bridgnorth Rugby Club, where he was a member.
Police today said the full circumstances and the reason why the upper parts of the cave collapsed were being investigated.
Chief Inspector Martin Whitelegg said: "This tragedy clearly demonstrates the inherent dangers posed by caves, old quarries, mines and the like."
Richard Wilkes, who coached the Academy team at Bridgnorth Rugby Club, said: "Aiden was an outstanding player, mixed very well with the other lads and was always reliable and never let anyone down."
Sarah Godden, head of Oldbury Wells School, said: "Aiden was an excellent student and was popular with staff and pupils."
An 18-year-old woman remained in a stable condition in hospital today after suffering serious neck and back injuries in the incident.
Tom McCabe, director of development services at Shropshire Council, said they would be co-operating with police investigations into the tragedy.
