An investigation has begun into the death of a 10-year-old boy, who was swept away in a small river on a trip to the Lake District.

The youngster, who has been named as Max Palmer, was with a group of schoolchildren from Fleetwood in Lancashire when the accident happened.

His mother Patricia Palmer - an educational support assistant with the school - tried to save him.

She was taken to hospital with hypothermia after being pulled from the water unconscious.

A second child was airlifted to hospital as a precautionary measure following the accident, near Glenridding, Cumbria, on Sunday.

'Controlled activity'

Inspector Paul Kissack, of Cumbria Police, said it was unclear whether the boy was officially part of the school trip or accompanying his mother.

A young 10-year-old boy tragically became overpowered by the force of the river and was swept downstream

Inspector Paul Kissack

He said: "Part of this course involved what's described as a controlled river activity and during this activity a young 10-year-old boy tragically became overpowered by the force of the river and was swept downstream.

"His mother, who was also at the scene, attempted to rescue him, but also was overpowered during her attempt and also swept downstream."

Inspector Kissack said that the boy and his mother were dragged about 100 yards by the river and were both pulled out unconscious.

Investigation

A team from the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Service, who were training in the area, dragged them from the water.

Attempts were made to resuscitate them, but the team's doctor pronounced the 10-year-old dead at the scene.

He said officers would establish whether Max was officially part of the school trip before investigating what safety measures it had in place.

"Cumbria police will be carrying out a full, thorough and objective investigation into this incident and will be handling it sensitively."

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is also investigating.