Minsterley tragedy: Floral tributes left to toddler
Floral tributes have been left outside a shop in Minsterley where a 19-month-old boy died after being hit by a car.
Flowers and a teddy bear were left outside the Friends chip shop in the village near Shrewsbury,
Resident Karen Powell posted her condolences on social media:
She said: "It was so sad about the little boy in Minsterley, thoughts are with his family. RIP little man. It makes you realise don’t take things for granted."
A friend of the family, Maria Downes, said she was playing with the youngster just days ago.
She said: "So absolutely devastating to be in Minsterley, thinking of the family of that beautiful little boy, I was only playing with him a few days ago.
"I don't think I will ever be able to go to Minsterley again with what's stuck in my head.
"I have to say this though, the whole village came together, bless you all for staying strong acting fast and just being there to lend a hand if it was needed.
"I am so devastated for them all and to all the police, fire service, air ambulance, paramedics you deserve a big hug."
Francesca Bromley said: "This puts it into perspective to cherish your children.
"So so sad just before Christmas, he had his whole life ahead of him, poor boy and poor family."
Minsterley Methodist Chapel said it be would open from 2pm today for people to pray and light candles in memory of the youngster.
The Rev Shalome MacNeil-Cooper said the tragedy would affect the community "deeply".
She said: "Tragedy has stuck our village with the death of a toddler in an accident. Last evening at our Longest Night service we held the family in prayer and lit candles in his memory.
"Regardless of faith or world view perspective, the chapel will be open to everyone today and over the next week.
"It's good to have a set time for the community to come together.
"This is going to go deep and wide, we're a small close-knit community.
"There were people offering first aid at the scene, it happened in a very public place.
"This is going to impact the community deeply, I can't imagine how it will impact the family.
"There will be more updates soon on how we may respond to this tragedy in practical ways to show our care."
Minsterley Methodist Chapel will be open today from 2pm and there will be more set times over the next week.
For updates, search for Rea Valley Methodist on Facebook or call 01743 791267.
The accident happened just after 11am yesterday. Members of the public attempted to save the boy’s life by giving CPR but West Midlands Ambulance Service said he was confirmed dead at the scene of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 245s of 21 December.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
