A COUNCIL is investigating how a child was left fighting for his life after an incident in a Colchester department store.

A five-year-old boy was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, after sustaining a "serious head injury" while inside Fenwick in High Street on Tuesday morning.

It is understood a mirror in the store fell onto the youngster.

Emergency services rushed to the store shortly after 11.30am with reports of concerns for the welfare of a child.

Read more >> Boy, 5, critically ill after incident in Fenwick store 

Alongside store staff and medics, Essex Police officers immediately administered first aid to the boy.

Gazette:

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition, which is where he remains.

A Colchester Council spokesperson said: “We will be using the information we have gathered to investigate the circumstances of the incident in Fenwick on Tuesday as part of our health and safety responsibilities.”

Essex Police has confirmed officers are supporting an investigation into the incident alongside Colchester Council.

Fenwick bosses are also working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation to understand how this happened.

Mia Fenwick, director at Fenwick, said her family and colleagues' thoughts are with the injured child and his family during this difficult time.

The store, which has been closed since Tuesday, will remain closed to the public today (Thursday).

On the day of the incident, emergency services were scrambled to the town centre.

High Street was shut off in the Head Street end by the police and North Hill as well as North Station Road were closed off.