Playground Tragedy: Three-Year-Old Girl Named

A three-year-old girl who died after becoming tangled in playground equipment at a nursery in York has been named as Lydia Bishop.

She was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries in the play area at the York College Day Nursery on Monday but was pronounced dead on arrival.

It is believed to have been her first day at the nursery.

Alison Birkinshaw, York College principal, said: "Clearly this is absolutely devastating news for the child's family and everyone at York College.

"Our thoughts are with the family, the children, families and staff associated with the nursery and everyone affected by this incident.

"We are doing all we can to assist the authorities with their inquiries and we will also do our utmost to support everybody involved as best as we can."

Lydia's death was not being treated as suspicious but an investigation - involving North Yorkshire Police, City of York Safeguarding Children Board (CYSCB), Ofsted and the Health and Safety Executive - has been launched.

Joe Cocker, CYSCB manager, said: "The CYSCB is working closely with partners to co-ordinate the inquiries of the various agencies in order to understand what happened and why it happened.

"Most importantly, at this stage, there is a need to ensure that support is provided to the family, the families of children who attend the nursery and the nursery staff.

"It is impossible to imagine what the parents must be going through, and my thoughts are with the family at what is an extremely difficult and upsetting time."

Police appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward to help them establish exactly what happened.

An Ofsted inspection carried out at the nursery in September 2009 said the overall quality of provision at York College was good and described the outdoor facilities as "superb".