'DISTRAUGHT' AFTER GIRL'S DEATH

A LITTLE girl has died after suffering a cardiac arrest in a shop in the Ryemarket shopping centre, Stourbridge.

Paramedics raced to the Card Factory shop where they found police and bystanders carrying out CPR.

Resuscitation efforts continued as the girl was taken to hospital in a rapid response vehicle but it suffered a collision en route and the youngster had to be transferred to a following police vehicle.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “Unfortunately, the responder vehicle ended up colliding with the curb, causing damage to the wheels. The paramedics quickly transferred the girl and all of their resuscitation equipment into a police vehicle, which was following them to hospital, and continued the journey to Russells Hall Hospital on blue lights.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of those on scene, paramedics and hospital medics nothing could be done to save the girl and she was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at hospital.”

The Ryemarket's centre manager Karl Taylor said: "Everyone connected with centre, including the management and staff in the Card Factory, is extremely distraught.

“It is very distressing but I can only say that I believe staff at The Ryemarket and the Card Factory responded to a very difficult situation in a prompt, efficient and professional manner and did all they could to assist the emergency services.

“We are of course in contact with the emergency services and will do all we can, now and in the future to help with any inquires they may be making.”